WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – President Donald Trump said he is considering sending Americans direct payments funded by tariff collections.
Speaking on One America News in an interview aired October 2, Trump said his team is “looking at something” and that revenue from higher tariffs on imported goods could be used both to pay down the national debt and to make a “distribution to the people, almost like a dividend.”
He suggested the checks could range from $1,000 to $2,000 per person.
Trump emphasized that reducing federal debt remains his top priority, but argued that strong economic growth allows room for direct payments.
“But with growth, with the kind of growth we have now the debt is very little… You grow yourself out of that debt, it’s not a question of paying it. You grow yourself out,” he said. He added, “We’ll pay back debt, but we also might make a distribution to the people, almost like a dividend to the people of America.”
The president did not outline eligibility rules, a payment schedule, or which agency would oversee disbursement.
Similar ideas have surfaced in Congress. Senator Josh Hawley’s American Worker Rebate Act would provide at least $600 per adult and dependent, with a family of four potentially receiving $2,400.
The payments would rise if tariff revenue increased, according to Newsweek.
No legislation has been passed to authorize new checks, and some lawmakers have voiced concerns about inflation and the federal budget.
Analysts also warn that redirecting tariff revenue could increase consumer costs, since tariffs often raise prices of imported goods.
At this point, eligibility requirements and a potential timeline remain undefined. Any new program would require congressional approval before it could take effect.
