Former President Donald Trump has proposed sending $2,000 stimulus checks to low- and middle-income Americans, funded by revenue from tariffs. However, this initiative is fraught with challenges, particularly the need for congressional approval and uncertainties about the availability of sufficient funding.
Central to this proposal is the ongoing Supreme Court case, Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., which could potentially jeopardize the tariff revenue intended for the checks. Administration officials remain optimistic that, despite these obstacles, the checks could be distributed as early as mid-to-late 2026.
Trump has publicly reiterated his commitment to the idea of stimulus payments, stating via social media that all but high-income individuals would receive a $2,000 dividend. His plans have generated both interest and skepticism, with some congressional Republicans expressing resistance. For instance, Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio has indicated that the tariff funds would be better utilized to reduce the national debt, suggesting that tariff rebates may face significant opposition in Congress.
The financial feasibility of the proposal is also in question. The Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research group, estimates that Trump’s tariffs could yield approximately $158.4 billion in revenue for 2025, with projections of $207.5 billion for 2026. However, the estimated cost of the proposed stimulus initiative could range from $279.8 billion to $606.8 billion, raising further doubts about its viability.
In a recent interview with FOX Business, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick backed the administration’s position, asserting that the proposed $2,000 payments would serve to illustrate the benefits of tariffs. He also suggested that even if the Supreme Court rules against Trump regarding tariff legality, there are alternative policies the administration could pursue.
As of now, no stimulus checks funded by tariff revenue have been sent to Americans. Although there is no confirmed timeline for the checks, Trump has stated his expectation that they will be dispensed by late 2026, and Lutnick echoed this sentiment during recent remarks.
While the path forward remains complicated and uncertain, the administration’s determination to issue these rebate checks continues to signal a focus on providing financial relief to those most in need.