Overview
- In a New York Times interview, Trump said payments could arrive toward the end of 2026 and asserted he can issue them without congressional approval.
- White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the administration will bring a proposal to Congress and that any rebates would need an appropriation.
- Treasury data show about $195 billion in customs duties in the last fiscal year plus $62 billion in October and November, far below Trump’s $600 billion claim.
- Nonpartisan estimates put the cost of $2,000 payments in the roughly $300 billion to $600 billion range, with Yale’s Budget Lab estimating about $450 billion.
- A Supreme Court ruling on the tariffs is expected soon and could require refunds if the duties are struck down, and no eligibility rules or delivery mechanism have been finalized.