Biden Regrets Not Putting His Name on Pandemic Relief Checks
President Joe Biden expressed regret on Tuesday for not having his name included on pandemic relief checks distributed in 2021.
Reflecting on the decision, Biden acknowledged that his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, had opted to put his name on relief payments during his term, a move that garnered significant attention at the time.
What Did Biden Say?
Speaking at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., Biden highlighted his economic achievements before bringing up the pandemic relief checks sent out by his administration in 2021.
“I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks…and I didn’t. Stupid.”
Trump famously ensured that his name appeared on the checks issued as part of the coronavirus relief package, a first for any U.S. president to have their name appear on any IRS payments.
Biden’s Economy: A Mixed Legacy Amid Recovery and Challenges
As President Joe Biden reflects on his time in office, he aims to cement his legacy amidst an economy showing signs of recovery. Despite notable achievements—creating 16 million jobs, funding large-scale infrastructure projects, and fostering investments in renewable energy—these efforts have struggled to overcome public frustration with persistent inflation.
The spike in prices during 2022 left many households grappling with higher costs for groceries, gasoline, and housing, overshadowing broader economic progress.
Public sentiment about the economy remains a challenge. In last month’s elections, over 60% of voters described the state of the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, a comprehensive survey of the electorate.
This widespread economic dissatisfaction played a pivotal role in Donald Trump’s successful bid to return to the White House. Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, setting the stage for a second term in office.
In a speech on Tuesday, Biden addressed the state of the economy, emphasizing the strengths Trump will inherit as president. He highlighted low unemployment and a steady decline in inflation, noting that the unemployment rate stands at a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses have reached record highs.
“These numbers represent a new set of benchmarks to measure against over the next four years,” Biden stated. He went on to assert that “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” underscoring the solid foundation laid during his tenure.
While Biden’s accomplishments in job creation, infrastructure, and renewable energy investments are undeniable, the economic challenges of rising costs have left a mixed impression among voters. As Trump prepares to take office again, the next administration will inherit an economy with undeniable strengths but lingering vulnerabilities, creating a critical test for the years ahead.
Looking Ahead
At the same time, Biden warned of potential economic pitfalls under Trump’s leadership, criticizing proposed tax cuts and tariffs on foreign imports.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen echoed those concerns at a Wall Street Journal CEO summit, cautioning that broad tariffs could lead to price hikes for American consumers.
“I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” Yellen said.
The president also took aim at Project 2025, a controversial policy framework from the Heritage Foundation, calling it a potential “economic disaster.” While Trump has distanced himself from the initiative, its overlap with his stated policies has raised concerns among Democrats.
In a reflective moment, Biden urged Trump to keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies he views as harmful.
“I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it would be an economic disaster,” Biden said.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.