UPDATE: The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to distribute $2,000 checks to Americans funded by tariff revenue. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this commitment just moments ago, stating that President Trump is “determined” to see this proposal through.
This announcement comes as Congress prepares for discussions on the feasibility of such payments. Leavitt emphasized that the White House is exploring legal pathways to implement the plan, although specific details remain scarce. “The president made it clear he wants to make it happen,” she stated during today’s press briefing.
In a follow-up statement, Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, indicated that Congressional approval would be necessary before any checks could be sent. “It’s something that will require legislation,” Hassett confirmed, noting that current tariff revenue might cover the costs without impacting the overall budget. However, he acknowledged the complexities involved in executing this plan.
Trump has previously touted that his tariffs might generate “trillions of dollars” for the U.S. economy, but experts are raising red flags. Analyst John Ricco from the Budget Lab at Yale University estimates annual tariff revenue will be between $200 billion and $300 billion. However, paying all Americans a $2,000 dividend could cost upwards of $600 billion, raising questions about the viability of the proposal.
Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confusion over the dividend plan, suggesting it might not lead to direct government checks. “It could just be tax decreases financed in the tax bill,” he commented, hinting at potential tax relief instead.
As the administration pushes forward, questions linger about who would qualify for these checks. The lack of clarity on income limits and eligibility, including whether children would receive payments, has many wondering about the plan’s reach.
In July, Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act, which aimed for similar stimulus checks, but the idea faced resistance within the party. Many Republican senators have publicly criticized the tariff rebate proposal, labeling it everything from “a bad idea” to “insane.” Instead, they advocate using any tariff revenue to help reduce the national debt.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is deliberating on the legality of Trump’s tariffs, which could significantly impact the administration’s plans. If the court rules against the tariffs, the government may have to refund importers instead of providing checks to families.
In related news, rumors about IRS “stimulus” payments have circulated online. These claims have been debunked by the IRS, which warns consumers about ongoing scams surrounding such payments.
The next steps are critical. As the White House prepares to navigate the legislative landscape, all eyes are on Congress to see if this ambitious plan can materialize. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this urgent matter, as millions of Americans await potential relief.
