Overview
- President Donald Trump said most Americans would receive at least $2,000 funded by tariff revenues, excluding high earners, in posts on Truth Social.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said no formal proposal has been submitted and suggested any dividend could take different forms, including tax changes, with no details on eligibility or timing.
- Official figures cited in coverage put tariff receipts roughly between $194 billion and $221 billion this year, while independent estimates put the cost of $2,000 payments near $300–$326 billion.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing the administration’s use of emergency powers to levy broad tariffs, and an adverse ruling could force refunds to importers, reducing available funds.
- Congress has not received legislation to authorize payouts, economists warn checks could add inflation or deficits, and analysts note importers often pass tariff costs on to consumers.