Trump’s Proposed $2,000 Tariff Checks Depend on Congress Approval

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that President Donald Trump’s proposal to issue $2,000 rebate checks to most Americans would require Congress’ approval. Bessent, speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” emphasized the need for legislation, stating, “We will see. We need legislation for that.”

Trump has suggested funding these payments through tariffs, calling for a “dividend of at least $2,000 a person” for working families, excluding high-income individuals. This proposal has been backed by recent statements from Trump that payments could begin “sometime next year,” correlating with revenue generated from tariffs.

The proposal’s feasibility is under scrutiny, particularly following an ongoing Supreme Court challenge regarding Trump’s authority to impose these tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Bessent highlighted the court’s concerns over potential refunds to businesses if tariffs are deemed unconstitutional.

“I don’t think the Supreme Court wants to wade into a mess like that,” Bessent noted, pointing to the ambiguity surrounding how these payments would be funded if tariffs were repealed.

Despite rising inflation, which critics attribute to the tariffs, Trump and his economic team maintain that tariffs are beneficial for the economy. Average grocery prices in the U.S. have risen, with goods like coffee and bananas showing significant price increases over the past year.

If passed, these checks would require cooperation from Congress, which has not yet indicated broad support for the measure, resulting in uncertainty about the proposal’s future. Approximately 163 million Americans filed tax returns in the last year, suggesting a massive financial burden on the government if such payments were enacted.

According to economic analysts, the revenue from tariffs might not sufficiently cover the cost of distributing $2,000 checks, which could amount to $600 billion if every American received one. Financial projections estimate tariff revenues at $200-$300 billion, indicating a potential shortfall.

Bessent has previously stated that the payments could take various forms, including tax cuts. However, detailed plans on income limits and eligibility remain scarce.

The Trump administration’s commitment to the checks continues amid skepticism regarding the legality and practicality of tariff-funded payments. With the Supreme Court’s decision pending, the feasibility of this proposal remains uncertain.