Overview
- Trump announced on Truth Social that Americans, excluding high-income earners, would get at least $2,000 funded by tariff revenue, calling tariff opponents “FOOLS.”
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had not discussed direct checks with the president and suggested any $2,000 benefit could come through tax cuts rather than payments.
- Analysts say current tariff receipts are far below the likely cost, with government collections in 2025 reported in the low hundreds of billions against an estimated price tag near $300 billion or more.
- Multiple outlets report that Congress would probably need to authorize any broad payout, and the administration has provided no details on eligibility, timing, or delivery.
- The Supreme Court recently signaled skepticism about the president’s use of emergency powers to impose global tariffs, a ruling that could affect revenue and even trigger refunds if parts are struck down.