Overview
- Trump says the payments would be directed to middle- and lower‑income households and exclude high earners.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said checks for families earning under $100,000 are under discussion and the benefit could be delivered as checks, tax reductions, or rebates.
- Government tariff revenue totaled about $195 billion in fiscal 2025, well below the roughly $300 billion to $600 billion estimated for broad $2,000 payments depending on eligibility.
- An alternative proposal from Sen. Josh Hawley would provide $600 per adult and $600 per dependent with income‑based phaseouts.
- Experts caution that congressional authorization is required and that court rulings, including possible Supreme Court action on some tariffs, could reduce available funds.