Trump Wants $2,000 Stimulus Checks; Threatens to Sink Stimulus Bill
President Trump asks Congress to send him an amended bill with larger stimulus checks and without "wasteful and unnecessary" provisions.


Late Monday night, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID relief and government spending bill that, among other things, would provide a second round of stimulus checks ($600 base amount), $300-per-week unemployment benefits, renewed funding for Paycheck Protection Program small business loans, money for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, extended tax breaks, and much more. However, less than 24 hours after Congress approved the 5,593-page bill, President Trump threatened to withhold his signature unless the legislation is amended.
In a video Tweet released Tuesday evening, Trump called the bill a "disgrace" and told Congress to send him a "suitable bill or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package." The president asked for amendments that would increase the second-round stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000, provide more relief for small businesses (especially restaurants), and "get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items" in the bill. "Congress found plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists and special interests, while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it," Trump said.
Regarding the stimulus checks, Trump specifically noted that "family members of illegal aliens" would be eligible for the direct payments. Up to $1,800 each, according to the president. "This is far more than the Americans are given," he added. "Despite all of this wasteful spending, and much more, the $900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $600 each in relief payments."

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
To help the restaurant industry, the president also called for a longer deduction for business meal expenses. The stimulus bill temporarily bumps the deduction up from 50% to 100% for two years. "Two years is not acceptable; it's not enough," Trump said.
As for the waste and unnecessary provisions, which are mainly in the bill's government spending provisions, Trump listed a number of items in the bill that he said have "almost nothing to do with COVID," such as foreign aid, money for museums and cultural arts centers, fish and wildlife research, and FBI construction projects.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded with support for the $2,000 stimulus check idea. "At last, the President has agreed to $2,000," she said in a Tweet. "Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let's do it!"
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer chimed in as well. He tweeted, "Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open and we're glad to pass more aid Americans need." Later, he attempted to put Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the spot with another tweet saying, "I'm in. Whaddya say, Mitch?" As of early Wednesday morning, McConnell has not responded.
If President Trump does not sign the bill, it will trigger a government shutdown next week.
(Stay on Top of All the New Stimulus Bill Developments – Sign Up for the Kiplinger Today E-Newsletter. It's FREE!)
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Stock Market Today: Have We Seen the Bottom for Stocks?
Solid first-quarter earnings suggest fundamentals remain solid, and recent price action is encouraging too.
By David Dittman
-
Is the GOP Secretly Planning to Raise Taxes on the Rich?
Tax Reform As high-stakes tax reform talks resume on Capitol Hill, questions are swirling about what Republicans and President Trump will do.
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in Florida
Property Tax Make your Florida vacation spot daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
-
Missed Tax Day? Nearly One Million Taxpayers Still Can File and Claim Valuable Tax Refunds
Tax Refunds As many as one million taxpayers could be missing out on a significant tax refund.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Which Generation Pays the Most Tax in the US?
Tax Burden Polls show that most people feel like taxes are unfair. But which age group bears the brunt of the tax burden in the United States?
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
Tax Day 2025: Don’t Miss These Freebies, Food Deals and Discounts
Tax Day You can score some sweet deals on April 15 in some select restaurants like Burger King, Shake Shack, and more.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Tax Time: Does Your Kid Influencer Owe Taxes?
State Tax Some minors are making big money on social media. Here’s how to know if they need to file taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Trump Plans to Terminate IRS Direct File program
Tax Filing The IRS Direct File program was piloted last year in 12 states and has since expanded to 25. But will it last under the Trump administration?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
How Caregivers for Adults Can Save on Taxes in 2025
Tax Breaks Caring for your parent or spouse can be stressful, but the IRS offers tax breaks for qualifying taxpayers. Here they are.
By Kate Schubel
-
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social Security
Treasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez