Overview
- Trump said on Truth Social that most Americans would receive at least $2,000 funded by tariff receipts, excluding high earners, without specifying eligibility thresholds or timing.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told ABC he had not discussed the idea with the president and suggested the benefit could take the form of tax cuts, after which Trump reiterated it would be a direct payment.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is assessing whether the administration had authority to impose the sweeping tariffs, with recent arguments reflecting skepticism and a decision expected in weeks or months.
- Analysts estimate the proposed payments would cost roughly $300 billion to as high as $513 billion, compared with about $195 billion in tariff revenue reported for the first three quarters of 2025 and lower net receipts after tax effects.
- Policy experts note that issuing broad payments would likely require congressional approval, and some Republican commentators doubt the House would back such large outlays.