In recent years, U.S. stimulus checks have been a hot topic, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks, issued by the U.S. government, aimed to provide financial assistance to Americans facing economic hardship. However, misinformation and confusion have often surrounded these payments, as seen in a recent viral TikTok suggesting the imminent arrival of new stimulus checks.
The Viral TikTok Claim
A TikTok video posted on March 7, 2024, claimed that President Biden had announced the distribution of $1,400 stimulus checks starting on March 14. The video featured a side-by-side comparison, with one side showing someone walking toward a mailbox and the other side showing a clip from a Joe Biden speech. The speech snippet included Biden’s statement, “If you send Jon and the Reverend to Washington, those $2,000 checks will go out the door, restoring hope and decency and honor for so many people who are struggling right now.”
The Facts and Debunking
However, this claim is false. There are no new stimulus checks being issued on March 14, as suggested by the TikTok video. The confusion arises from misinterpretation and a lack of supporting evidence. The TikTok video seems to have misled many viewers, with some expressing their belief in the claim and others voicing their frustration over perceived government actions.
It’s important to note that the last round of stimulus checks, totaling $1,400, was issued in March 2021, as part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. Prior to this, two other rounds of stimulus checks were sent out: $1,200 in March 2020 and $600 in December 2020. These checks were part of broader COVID relief measures to support individuals and families during the pandemic.
While some states have separately issued other forms of financial assistance, such as rebates and payments, there have been no nationwide stimulus payments for around three years, apart from the aforementioned rounds.
Misinformation on Social Media
This viral TikTok is just one example of misinformation circulating on social media platforms. Newsweek has highlighted several other instances where viral TikToks spread unsupported or false claims, from political announcements to legal proceedings. This underscores the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before spreading it further.
In conclusion, the claim that new stimulus checks will be issued on March 14, 2024, is false. The TikTok video that propagated this claim lacks supporting evidence and misinterprets a past statement made by President Biden. It’s crucial to be cautious and verify information, especially when it comes from sources like social media, to avoid spreading misinformation.