BREAKING: President Donald Trump has just announced a bold proposal to provide Americans with a direct payment of $2,000, allegedly funded by revenue from tariffs. This unexpected move comes as Trump faces a staggering 63% disapproval rating, aiming to rally public support amid growing criticism.
In a post on Truth Social earlier today, Trump declared, “A dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone.” He went on to criticize opponents of tariffs, stating, “People who are against Tariffs are FOOLS!” This proposal echoes similar suggestions made during his presidency, but previous promises of stimulus checks based on tariff revenue have not materialized.
Since the implementation of sweeping tariffs on global trading partners in April, American consumers have faced an average effective tariff rate of nearly 18%, the highest in nearly a century. According to a report from the Treasury Department, approximately $200 billion has been collected in customs duties during Trump’s term.
However, for these checks to be distributed, Trump would need Congressional approval. Earlier this year, Republican Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill advocating for a $600 check funded by tariff rebates, but Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that collections would instead be used to reduce the federal deficit.
The economic implications of Trump’s proposal are significant. Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation, highlighted the potential costs of sending $2,000 checks. In a response on X, she noted, “If the cutoff is $100,000, 150 million adults would qualify, for a cost near $300 billion. If kids qualify, that grows.” She cautioned that the math could worsen when considering the overall budgetary impact of tariffs.
Trump’s announcement comes at a critical time, with his disapproval rating reaching new heights. A recent CNN/SSRS poll conducted from October 27 to 30 revealed a substantial 63% disapproval rate among surveyed adults. The timing of this proposal appears to be a strategic effort to regain favor with the electorate as the 2024 election approaches.
In his post, Trump claimed, “We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price.” He touted the performance of 401(k) plans and emphasized the collection of trillions of dollars in revenue, asserting that the nation is on the verge of addressing its enormous debt.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s proposal will gain traction in Congress or if it will follow the path of previous initiatives that failed to come to fruition. The urgency for Americans to stay informed is paramount as the implications of this plan could directly affect millions.
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