Rumors about new stimulus checks have resurfaced across social media this August. Some posts claim Americans will receive payments in the coming weeks. Others reference a new “tariff rebate” or quote President Donald Trump directly.
But do any of these claims hold up?
We looked at the facts behind the rumors—and what legislation actually exists right now.
No official stimulus checks for August
As of July 29, 2025, neither Congress nor the IRS has approved any new round of federal stimulus checks. The Treasury Department has not issued guidance, and no payments are scheduled for August.
Rumors continue to swirl on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, where creators push viral videos promising “imminent” checks or “unclaimed stimulus money.” These claims rely on outdated programs from the COVID-19 pandemic or twist current political discussions out of context.
The truth about the ‘tariff rebate’ proposal
What is new: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced legislation on Monday that would create a “tariff rebate” program. His proposal follows comments from President Trump, who floated the idea of sending Americans checks funded by tariff revenue.
- Hawley’s bill would issue $600 per adult and child as a refundable tax credit.
- Only households earning under $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint) would receive the full amount.
- Congress would need to pass the bill, and Trump would need to sign it before any money goes out.
So far, lawmakers have not advanced the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has previously rejected similar proposals, including the failed “DOGE dividend” checks pitched earlier this year.
What triggered the rumors?
The recent spike in attention began after President Trump told reporters on July 25, “We have so much money coming in, we’re thinking about a little rebate.” He referred to revenue generated from new tariffs placed on foreign imports.
That comment, combined with Hawley’s fast-tracked bill, sparked headlines and renewed speculation. However, no checks exist yet, and no approval process has started.
Will a rebate actually happen?
Right now, the “tariff rebate” remains a proposal, not a law. Even if Congress passes it this fall, checks wouldn’t arrive before late 2025 or early 2026. Lawmakers would also need to finalize eligibility rules, payment amounts, and delivery mechanisms.
The Tax Foundation estimates the Trump-era tariffs could raise $2.5 trillion over the next decade—but it also warns that the policy could raise consumer prices and effectively tax the average household $1,300 in 2025 alone.
Key takeaways
- No federal stimulus checks are scheduled for August 2025.
- A tariff rebate bill exists, but Congress has not passed it.
- President Trump supports the idea, but no payments can go out until lawmakers act.
- Viral posts claiming “checks are coming now” contain misinformation.
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