Overview
- Trump said Friday the payments will not arrive before Christmas and would come sometime next year, aimed at low- and middle-income Americans while excluding high earners.
- The White House says it is exploring legal options, but senior officials acknowledge any direct payments would need legislation from Congress.
- NEC Director Kevin Hassett contends tariff receipts could cover $2,000 checks, yet Treasury data and nonpartisan estimates suggest revenue falls short of the roughly $300–$600 billion cost of a broad round.
- The Supreme Court is weighing the administration’s tariff authority, a decision that could significantly cut or eliminate the revenue underpinning the proposal.
- A new poll shows 71% of voters favor the idea but only 37% think checks are likely, aligning with skepticism on prediction markets and tepid reactions from some Republicans.