Bessent says Treasury is ‘examining’ ability to cut $5,000 checks without Congress

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Treasury Department is looking at President Donald Trump’s plan to provide adults with $5,000 checks and suggested it might be possible to issue the money without authorization from Congress.

Bessent, testifying on Tuesday before the House Financial Services Committee, indicated that the administration is looking at ways that it might be able to disburse the $5,000 payments. He also said he would work with Congress to authorize the checks if necessary.