President Trump signed a document that accompanies the coronavirus relief payments being distributed to people across the country.
Almost 90 million people have received the letter so far, according to the Washington Post, as some receive checks that also bear the president’s signature.
“My Fellow American,” the letter begins, on a copy of White House letterhead. “Our great country is experiencing an unprecedented public health and economic challenge as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic. Our top priority is your health and safety.”
“As we wage total war on this invisible enemy,” Trump adds, “we are also working around the clock to protect hardworking Americans like you from the consequences of the economic shutdown.”
The president additionally expresses his gratitude to Congress for fast-tracking the $2.2 trillion economic relief package, which he signed late last month, that included funding for the $1,200 relief checks.
This is the first time a president’s name has appeared on stimulus checks, which are going out now to people for whom the IRS does not have direct deposit information. But it is not the first time a president has sent such a letter. Former President George W. Bush sent a letter to U.S. citizens announcing similar stimulus payments in 2001 when his administration issued tax refunds after it passed a tax cut package.
“The letter serves as Notice of the payment, and as a message from the President during these unprecedented times,” a Treasury Department spokeswoman told the Washington Post.
