Alyssa Milano and Other Celebrities React to Trump's Call for $2,000 Stimulus Checks

Alyssa Milano, George Takei and other celebrities have reacted to President Donald Trump's sudden demand for $2,000 stimulus checks in the bipartisan COVID-19 relief package.

The president threatened to veto the $900 billion deal reached by lawmakers after months of stalemate in a video tweeted Tuesday night, calling on lawmakers to amend the bill to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.

Democrats had pushed for higher payments during negotiations on the package, but compromised with reluctant Republicans on the $600 amount to allow the deal to proceed before the year's end.

Trump's demand for bigger checks drew immediate support from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats, who called on Republicans in Congress to support it. "At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let's do it!," Pelosi tweeted.

Numerous celebrities also shared their thoughts on Twitter.

Actress and activist Alyssa Milano called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to work with Democrats to deliver Americans the additional relief.

"Hey, @senatemajldr! So it seems members of Congress have reached a bi-partisan agreement on Twitter to give the American people a 2k relief check instead of 600," she wrote. "Let's go!"

George Takei urged people voting in Georgia's upcoming Senate runoff races to remember that if the higher payments don't happen, it will be due to McConnell.

"GA voters, remember! The Dems and Trump AGREE on the amount of the stimulus checks: $2000," Takei tweeted. "If it doesn't happen, it's because the SENATE (Mitch McConnell) blocked it. If you want that check, you gotta vote the power away from Mitch. Elect @ossoff and @ReverendWarnock."

Pod Save America host and former Barack Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau added: "We either get $2k stimulus checks or Trump helps make it crystal clear that Senate Republicans are to blame just days before 2 of them are up for re-election in a race that decides control of the Senate. Merry Christmas, Mitch!"

Author Don Winslow noted: "It took 9 months to get $600. And one 5 minute press conference to get $2,000. Think about that."

MSBNC host Joy Reid tweeted: "At this point, there is only ONE person keeping Americans from getting $2,000 covid relief checks during Christmas week: and that is @senatemajldr Mitch McConnell. The President, the Speaker of the House, the Democrats and the Democratic Senate candidates in Georgia ALL agree."