In a recent interview with NBC Nightly News, President Donald Trump discussed his vision for potentially distributing $2,000 stimulus checks to Americans, which he indicated could be funded by revenue generated from tariffs. This assertion aligns with Trump’s previous statements advocating for such checks, claiming he could initiate them “toward the end of the year” without needing congressional approval.
Trump has emphasized the substantial revenue from tariffs, stating, “I’m taking in hundreds of billions of dollars,” and expressed his intent to use these funds not only for direct payments but also to help reduce national debt. He reiterated his commitment to the idea during a Cabinet meeting, where he outlined additional ways to use tariff revenue, suggesting that payments could start as early as 2026.
However, for these checks to materialize, a formal proposal would need to be introduced to Congress, which currently remains uncertain. Trump has previously signaled his desire for these checks, yet no official announcement or legislative framework has been established for their distribution. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett acknowledged that while the potential for stimulus checks exists, confirmation would only come if Congress agrees to the proposal.
Interestingly, recent legal challenges regarding the scope of Trump’s tariffs could also influence the feasibility of these plans. The Supreme Court’s evaluations may impact the president’s authority to maintain certain tariffs, which could hinder the proposed funding for checks.
In addition to the discussions surrounding the $2,000 checks, plans have emerged for the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley, aiming to provide similar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. This proposal, however, has yet to gain traction within Congress.
Looking back, Trump has previously floated the idea of issuing $5,000 checks for taxpayers, drawing on savings from government efficiency initiatives. These repeated considerations reflect an ongoing dialogue about stimulating the economy through direct financial support to American citizens.