The rumor began circulating following an announcement that over 20 million individuals would receive a $90 payment.
WASHINGTON, DC: Following President Donald Trump‘s announcement of a $90 stipend for seniors leading up to the midterm elections, a fabricated rumor circulated online. Social media users spread a claim that the president’s son, Eric Trump, asserted the funds would assist recipients with expenses like diesel costs, home renovations, and vacations. This bizarre assertion quickly drew widespread online skepticism and mockery, prompting a closer investigation into its validity.
Claim: Eric Trump stated the $90 payout would help cover diesel and remodeling costs
The viral rumor was propagated via a Facebook post displaying what purported to be a Fox News graphic card. It featured a photograph of Eric Trump alongside a ridiculous quote: “The $90 checks going to 20 million seniors will help them with housing cost, reducing cost of diesel, or upcoming kitchen remodels and vacations.”
While some social media users unfortunately took the post seriously, many others immediately recognized it as absurd or questioned its authenticity.
Fact Check: The viral claim originated from a satirical source
Ultimately, the claim is entirely false. There is zero evidence that the president’s son ever made such a statement.
No official statements, press briefings, or verified social media posts show Eric Trump uttering these words.
A thorough search of Fox News’ official website and broadcast archives confirms that the network never published such a graphic.
Had a prominent public figure genuinely suggested that a $90 check could fund kitchen remodels or vacations, major news outlets would have covered it extensively. Furthermore, broader web searches yield no credible reports supporting the quote.
Closer inspection of the graphic reveals clear indicators of fabrication: a watermark reading “Mrs Putin Satire” (attributing it to a Facebook parody account that explicitly labels its content as satire), and a subtle misspelling of the network’s name as “Fox Mews.”
The Reality Behind Donald Trump’s $90 Medicare Payment for Seniors
The satirical post emerged in the wake of a genuine announcement by President Trump, who stated that more than 20 million beneficiaries would receive a one-time $90 payment to offset Medicare Part B premiums ahead of the November midterm elections.
According to the White House, this marks the first instance of a presidential administration utilizing the Medicare Improvement Fund for such a distribution.
Eligible participants are scheduled to receive the funds in early October. Those enrolled in direct deposit will see electronic transfers, while others will be sent physical checks to their registered Medicare mailing addresses.
The administration has framed the initiative as a direct measure to alleviate financial pressures on seniors, ensuring the fund directly supports Medicare recipients.