President Donald Trump is now saying when Americans can expect $2,000 payments from the government as a proposed "tariff dividend," excluding high-income individuals.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

It won't be in time for Christmas.

President Donald Trump is now saying when Americans can expect $2,000 payments from the government as a proposed "tariff dividend," excluding high-income individuals.

Trump said Friday night, Nov. 14, that the payments would be distributed "sometime next year, during the year 2026."

"The tariffs allow us to give a dividend," Trump said while speaking to reporters onboard Air Force One en route to Mar-A-Lago. "We’re going to do a dividend, and we’re also going to be reducing debt."

The payments, which Trump has described as a "dividend" funded by tariff revenue, are intended for low- and middle-income Americans, with eligibility likely capped at $100,000 in annual earnings. 

The federal government has collected $195 billion in tariff revenue as of Tuesday, Sept. 30, and Trump has touted this as a way to both provide direct payments to citizens and reduce the national debt.

What We Know About The Proposal

  • Amount: $2,000 per person
  • Source: Tariff revenue collected by the federal government
  • Eligibility: Likely limited to low- and middle-income Americans (earnings cap around $100,000)
  • Timing: Expected sometime in 2026
  • Status: Proposal, with White House commitment but no final approval

The payments are separate from previous stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic and are being framed as a direct benefit of Trump’s tariff policies. 

Trump has repeatedly defended his tariffs, calling critics "fools" and claiming they have made the US the "richest, most respected country in the world."

Legal, Political Hurdles

Despite Trump’s confidence, the proposal faces significant challenges. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when imposing the tariffs. 

Lower courts have already ruled against the administration, and if the Supreme Court upholds those rulings, the government could be forced to refund as much as $1 trillion in collected tariff revenue.

Congressional approval would also be required to implement the payments. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed uncertainty about the feasibility of the plan.

Supporters, Critics

Supporters argue that the payments could provide an economic boost to millions of Americans while using tariff revenue to reduce the national debt, which currently stands at $37 trillion. Trump has also claimed that the tariffs have driven record investment in the US, stating, "We are taking in trillions of dollars and will soon begin paying down our enormous debt."

Critics, however, argue that tariffs have increased costs for American consumers and businesses. They also question whether the payments will ever materialize, given the legal and political obstacles.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.