Fake Biden audio used in videos promoting a $6,400 stimulus
US President Joe Biden is not promoting a new $6,400 stimulus approved by the US federal govt
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US President Joe Biden is not promoting a new $6,400 stimulus approved by the U.S. federal government, contrary to videos that use an audio track mimicking his voice.
A Facebook post, opens new tab sharing one of these videos says, in part, “THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS JUST APPROVED THE NEW STIMULUS,
$6,400 for 97% of Americans. Seeking financial support for daily needs like groceries, gas, and rent? This government subsidy program offers eligible Americans $6400 as a subsidy with a $0 health plan.
The video includes a voiceover mimicking Biden’s voice encouraging users to sign up to receive a “spending card” loaded with $6,400. It says that the program is open for everyone, and the money does not have to be paid back.
Stimulus packages, opens new tab involve government measures, such as checks for individuals or tax credits, to boost the economy or prevent a recession. The posts being shared are not affiliated with official government programs, however.
One Facebook page, opens new tab sharing the video claims it is a “Federal Government Organization” but does not link to any official government links. It has a verified badge as a profile photo but is not verified by Facebook.
Another page, opens new tab sharing the video calls itself an “insurance agent” in its “About” section but offers no website or further information.
There is no evidence, opens new tab that Biden authorized or spoke about a $6,400 government stimulus this month.
The most recent rounds of direct payments to Americans were sent by the government during the COVID pandemic, for a total of 3 economic impact payments, opens new tab. The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.
The U.S. government warns about scams “offering ‘free money’ from the government” online and says the public should search for federal assistance programs on official government websites, opens new tab.
“There are no new stimulus payments like that described,” Jenna Valle-Riestra, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, said in an email. “Any type of program like that would require legislation from Congress.”
Reuters previously addressed, opens new tab similar posts using Donald Trump’s voice to claim that the government was giving a $6,400 subsidy or stimulus.
VERDICT
False. A video using a voiceover mimicking US President Joe Biden’s voice promotes a new $6,400 government stimulus. There is no evidence of any such stimulus in January 2024.
