 "‘We are taking in trillions of dollars!’: Trump proposes $2k dividend for most Americans from tariff revenue")
Claiming that tariffs have made the United States the “richest and most respected” nation in the world, President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a plan to pay every American at least $2,000 from tariff revenues, excluding what he called “high income people.”
“A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that those opposed to tariffs are “FOOLS!”
Proposal likely to face Congress scrutiny
The idea of distributing tariff revenues directly to citizens would likely require approval from Congress. Earlier this year, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri proposed a similar measure — a $600 tariff rebate for most Americans and their dependent children.
“My legislation would allow hard-working Americans to benefit from the wealth that Trump’s tariffs are returning to this country,” Hawley said at the time.
Tariffs to fund debt repayment, says Trump
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC in August that the administration’s top priority was to use tariff revenues to pay down the $38.12 trillion national debt.
On Sunday, Trump echoed that position, saying the government would begin paying down the “ENORMOUS” debt using tariff income. He claimed his tariff policy — which imposes reciprocal and penalty duties on trading partners — had brought in “trillions of dollars” and strengthened the US economy, insisting the country now had “almost no inflation.”
Inflation figures tell a different story
However, the Associated Press reported last week that inflation had worsened under Trump. Consumer prices rose at an annual rate of 3 per cent in September, up from 2.3 per cent in April, when major tariff hikes were first introduced.
The report noted that grocery prices continue to rise, electricity bills have become a growing concern, and job growth has slowed — down 23 per cent compared to a year earlier.
‘401(k)s are Highest EVER’
Trump also highlighted stock market gains and record-high retirement savings. “401(k)s are Highest EVER,” he wrote, referring to the popular US retirement savings plan, roughly equivalent to India’s Provident Fund.
“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k’s are Highest EVER. We are taking in Trillions of Dollars and will soon begin paying down our ENORMOUS DEBT, $37 Trillion,” the president said.
He added: “Record Investment in the USA, plants and factories going up all over the place. A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDetails of payment plan unclear
Trump did not clarify how or when the dividend payments would be distributed, or whether there would be additional eligibility criteria beyond income thresholds.
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