Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow says $600-a-week unemployment benefits will end in July because they are 'disincentive' to return to work and the next stimulus package could include a $4,000 vacation credit

Donald Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow has vowed to end $600 unemployment checks distributed as a result of COVID-19, calling them a 'disincentive to work' after the president proposed giving Americans a $4,000 tax deduction for domestic travel.

Kudlow during a CNN interview pointed out the checks are in addition to normal unemployment claim distributions and says the expected expiration of the added benefit in about six weeks will stay.   

'We're paying people not to work. It's better than what their salaries get,' he told Jake Tapper on State of the Union Sunday.

'The president is looking at a reform measure that would still provide some kind of bonus for returning to work, but it will not be as large and it will create an incentive to work,' Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council explains. 

His remarks come after Trump proposed giving Americans a tax deduction for domestic travel that he says can help stimulate the economy after the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. 

+5

Donald Trump's economic adviser Larry Kudlow (pictured) has vowed to end $600 unemployment checks distributed as a result of COVID-19, calling them a 'disincentive to work.' He is pictured speaking to members of the media on Monday

+5

Kudlow pointed out the checks are in addition to normal unemployment claim distributions and says the expected expiration of the added benefit in about six weeks will stay, while speaking to Jake Tapper on State of the Union Sunday (pictured)

+5

Kudlow's remarks come after President Donald Trump proposed giving Americans a $4,000 tax deduction for domestic travel that he says can help stimulate the economy. The president is pictured during a roundtable meeting at the White House Monday

The president mentioned his 'Explore America' idea during a roundtable meeting with travel and restaurant industry leaders last month.

'Create an 'Explore America' — that's 'Explore,' right? Explore America tax credit that Americans can use for domestic travel, including visits to restaurants. That's a big deal. 

The tax deduction would be applicable for vacation stays at hotels, and even could be applied for eating at restaurants, the president said, according to a transcript. 

CNN Privacy Policy

Americans would be able to claim up to $4,000 tax deductions under the plan, the US Sun reports. 

No additional details about the president's plan have since been revealed. 

Kudlow's remarks and the president's proposal come as US officials work on addressing record unemployment, which has resulted from the impacts of COVID-19. 

Even as the nation has begun to reopen after being shut down because of the pandemic, returning some Americans to work, there were still another $1.5 million claims made for unemployment benefits last week.

+5

Even as the nation has begun to reopen after being shut down because of the pandemic, returning some Americans to work, there were still another $1.5 million claims made for unemployment benefits last week

Democrats are planning a new law that would provide Americans $2,000 monthly stimulus checks for the remainder of the pandemic. 

The $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act has already provided more than $200 billion in payments. 

Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachussetts has called for the new monthly stimulus check program that would be eligible for Americans earning less than $120,000 per year for the remainder of the pandemic.

+5

Democrats are planning a new law that would provide Americans $2,000 monthly stimulus checks for the remainder of the pandemic

'The coronavirus has exposed many of the social inequities that have long existed in our communities,' wrote Markey in the Boston Globe.

'From disparities in who has access to testing and treatment, to who has the ability to work from home, this crisis is a glaring reminder that we have a long way to go in this country when it comes to social and economic justice.'

Markey is joined by Democratic Senators Kamala Harris and Bernie Sanders in introducing a bill to provide the new stimulus.