Fact Check: Is President Trump Really Sending Out Stimulus Checks in October 2025?

Many Americans are wondering if President Donald Trump is about to send out a new round of stimulus checks in October 2025. The question has gained traction amid a partial U.S. government shutdown and ongoing discussions about economic relief. Here’s what we know so far.

Despite widespread speculation online, there is no approved plan or official announcement from the White House or Congress confirming a fourth federal stimulus check this October. Any such payments would require Congressional approval, which has not happened yet — and the current government shutdown is slowing down new legislation.

Trump’s Tariff-Funded Payment Proposal Explained

President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of sending direct payments to Americans funded by tariff revenue. Most recently, in an October 2 interview with One America News, Trump said his administration was “looking at something” that could use tariff income to both pay down the national debt and make a “distribution to the people, almost like a dividend.”

He suggested the possible payout could range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person. Trump also emphasized that strong economic growth could help reduce national debt while enabling such payments. However, this was a proposal — not a signed policy or approved stimulus plan. As of now, Congress has not passed any law or funding mechanism to send these checks.

Current economic support this October is coming from state-level programs, not the federal government. For example, New Jersey is distributing ANCHOR property tax relief checks, and New York is issuing one-time “inflation refund” payments of up to $400 to certain residents. These are state-run benefits, separate from any potential federal stimulus program.

Why No Federal Stimulus Is Coming Yet

Federal stimulus checks can only be approved through legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president. With the ongoing government shutdown, new spending bills or relief measures are delayed. The White House may propose ideas, but they cannot unilaterally send checks without Congressional approval and funding authorization.

Economists have also noted that broad federal stimulus payments are less likely when inflation is still a concern and the labor market remains strong. Policy makers tend to avoid cash infusions unless there’s a sharp economic downturn or national emergency, which is not the case right now.

Bottom line: President Trump is not sending out federal stimulus checks in October 2025. While he has discussed a tariff-funded rebate program, it remains only an idea with no legislative approval or rollout timeline.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Trump giving out stimulus checks right now?

No. There is no approved federal stimulus program in October 2025. His team only discussed the idea.

Q2: What are Trump’s proposed payments?

He suggested $1,000–$2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue but nothing has been passed or approved.

Q3: Are any states sending checks this October?

Yes. New Jersey is paying ANCHOR property tax relief, and New York is issuing inflation refunds up to $400.

Q4: Can Trump send checks without Congress?

No. Federal stimulus payments must be authorized and funded by Congress.

Q5: Does the government shutdown affect this?

Yes. The shutdown slows legislative action and makes new relief unlikely in the short term.