New White House Announcement Clarifies Donald Trump’s Pledge to Provide $2,000 Payments to Most Americans

Trump Pushes Forward With $2,000 Tariff-Funded Dividend Plan

Donald Trump is charging ahead with his proposal to send Americans $2,000 “dividend checks” funded through tariff revenue. He announced the plan over the weekend, declaring on social media, “People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!”

White House Stands Firm

Despite skepticism from his own treasury secretary, the White House insists the plan remains alive. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Trump is “committed” to making it happen. She offered no details on eligibility or logistics but confirmed that economic advisers are reviewing options.

Treasury Expresses Doubt

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struck a more cautious tone. He said the payments may not arrive as direct checks at all.
According to Bessent, a tariff dividend could come “in lots of forms,” including tax breaks already in Trump’s agenda—no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security, plus auto-loan deductions. He also admitted he has not spoken to Trump directly about the payout plan.

Donald Trump. Credit: Mike Stobe / Getty

Eligibility and Cost Questions Grow

Trump’s post did not explain who would qualify or when payments might begin. Past stimulus efforts backed by Trump used income caps of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples.
If the White House adopts a $100,000 threshold, about 150 million Americans could qualify. That would push the total cost to around $300 billion, according to the Tax Foundation’s Erica York.

Revenue Gap Raises Debt Concerns

Here’s the problem: as of September 30, tariff revenue totaled $195 billion—far below what’s needed. To close the gap, the administration may rely on projected future earnings.

The Treasury Department expects $3 trillion in tariff income over the next decade. However, using future revenue would increase the national debt, which already sits above $38 trillion.

New Tariffs Set to Start

The next round of tariffs begins next week, including a 50% tax on cabinets and up to 100% on patented pharmaceuticals. Trump argues these measures are essential, claiming tariffs are making the U.S. the “Richest, Most Respected Country In the World.”

Economists Skeptical

Still, many economists question whether tariff revenue alone can sustain payments of this scale. For now, the plan remains bold, controversial, and largely undefined.