Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?

It remains unclear when Americans may receive stimulus checks. Here are the latest updates in regards to the checks including statements from Trump.

As the question of new stimulus checks in 2026 circulates among millions of families, understanding potential triggers is crucial. While no federal payments are currently approved, certain economic scenarios could pave the way for direct aid.

Trump announced in November that “a dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone” using revenue collected from his sweeping tariffs. He later said that any leftover money would be used to “SUBSTANTIALLY” pay down the nation’s around $38 trillion national debt.

Filing taxes in 2026 and wondering about the $2000 Trump stimulus check status this year? Here's what to know and how to track your IRS refund.

Absent any real action to address affordability, Trump and his allies usually turn to his preferred backup plan: culture wars and racism. Hence the renewed GOP scaremongering about sharia law; congressional investigations into Bad Bunny; and violent immigration raids targeting the “worst of the worst” preschoolers.