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President Donald Trump says most Americans will soon receive a "tariff dividend" of at least $2,000, funded by revenue collected from U.S. import duties.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, the president wrote, "A dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone." He added that the U.S. is taking in "trillions of dollars" through tariffs and will "soon begin paying down our enormous debt."
The proposed payout, which would likely require congressional approval, comes amid a historic government shutdown and renewed scrutiny of Trump's tariff policies. In the same post, Trump called critics of tariffs "fools," arguing the levies are essential for restoring trade balance.
The Treasury Department reported collecting $195 billion from customs duties in 2025 through September, according to The Hill. While the administration touts tariffs as a revenue source, economists warn that costs are largely borne by American consumers.
Trump first floated the idea of a "distribution to the people" in October, suggesting payments between $1,000 and $2,000 per person. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley previously proposed a similar rebate program offering $600 per American using tariff funds.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of Trump's sweeping tariffs, many of which lower courts ruled unlawful. The president has defended his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the administration's goal is "rebalancing trade, not collecting money," but confirmed the White House is exploring "creative uses" of tariff revenue.
The announcement comes as Trump faces mounting pressure over the 36-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. The impasse has left more than 600,000 federal workers furloughed and delayed key food and healthcare benefits.
Democrats blame Trump for using the shutdown to attack the Affordable Care Act, while the president continues to accuse them of blocking funding for his proposed healthcare reforms.
Despite legal and logistical hurdles, Trump's post signals a renewed effort to tie tariff policy directly to voter relief, a populist move aimed at offsetting public frustration with rising living costs.
