Jamie Spencer
President Joe Biden admitted it was “stupid” not to follow former President Donald Trump’s approach of signing the relief checks sent to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking at the Brookings Institution on Tuesday, Biden said, “I signed the American Rescue Plan… and also learned something from Donald Trump.”
Trump’s signed checks vs. Biden’s IRS letters
While Trump ensured his name appeared on the relief checks, Biden sent signed letters from the IRS explaining the payments. “This fulfills a promise I made to you,” Biden’s letter stated, emphasizing relief efforts during the pandemic.
Trump’s approach draws mixed reactions
Trump’s insistence on branding relief checks sparked criticism and praise. Former President Barack Obama dismissed the tactic as ego-driven, contrasting it with Biden’s approach, which he said focused on helping people rather than politics.
Calls for a more personal touch
Late-night host Seth Meyers recently joked that Biden should have branded relief payments as “Biden Bucks.” Meyers argued Democrats should take more direct credit for such initiatives to ensure their impact is clear to voters.
