French economist Olivier Blanchard echoed Summers' critiques in a series of February tweets, then in a longer article for the Petersen Institute. While "too much is better than too little" when it comes to relief spending, he wrote, Democrats' plans are too large and risks overfilling the hole in the US economy.
"We should spend what we need to save people from poverty and fund the needed response to the pandemic. I think we do not need to spend $1.9 trillion for that, and we should have a smaller program," he added.
The economist has modified his tone, however. In a later thread, Blanchard said part of the stimulus package should be contingent on how the virus develops.
If the pandemic worsens and Americans need more aid, they would receive full-sized checks. But if people need less support, Congress should only send out reduced checks, if they send any payments at all, he said in a February 27 tweet.
Somewhat lightheartedly, Blanchard also likened Biden's plan to the old proverb of the elephant swallowed by a snake, accompanied by a cartoon, on Twitter.
"The snake was too ambitious. The elephant will pass, but maybe with some damage," he said.