Overview
- President Trump has proposed $2,000 ‘tariff dividend’ checks for low- to middle-income Americans, with his comments pointing to mid-to-late 2026.
- National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett says the White House will submit a plan to Congress and that any payouts would require new legislation.
- Treasury data show roughly $195–$205 billion in customs duties so far, far short of the ‘trillions’ cited by the president, a gap highlighted by independent tax analysts.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describes the concept as targeting working families earning under about $100,000, with key details on eligibility and timing still unresolved.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing the administration’s tariff authority and retailers including Costco are seeking refunds, while the IRS and news outlets caution that claims of $2,000 checks now are likely scams.