U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred economic debate with his bold new claim that tariffs imposed on imports are generating billions in revenue, which, he says, will soon be shared among American citizens. In a post on his Truth Social account on Sunday, Trump declared that every American—except the wealthy elite—will receive a $2,000 dividend (approximately ₹1.7 lakh in Indian currency) funded by tariff income.
Trump wrote, “People who criticize tariffs are fools. Our administration made America the richest and most respected nation on earth—with little to no inflation and record-high stock markets.” He emphasized that the tariff policy has been a major driver of national prosperity and suggested that the benefits will soon reach ordinary Americans.
However, the former president did not provide specific details about how or when this payment would be distributed. He also avoided explaining eligibility criteria, such as income limits or household qualifications. This isn’t the first time Trump has hinted at such a benefit; back in October, he suggested a possible rebate of $1,000 to $2,000 for low- and middle-income families.
Treasury Secretary Responds: Focus Is on Debt Reduction, Not Direct Payments
Following Trump’s post, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the issue in an interview with ABC News. Bessent clarified that he had not discussed any such “dividend program” with Trump but mentioned that if such a policy were ever implemented, it could take the form of tax cuts rather than direct checks.
According to a report by The Times of India, Bessent said the Treasury Department’s primary focus remains on managing and reducing national debt, rather than distributing direct financial benefits. In August, he told CNBC that tariff revenues could help lower America’s $38.12 trillion national debt burden.
Experts Warn Trump’s Plan Could Increase Debt Instead
Economists and fiscal analysts have expressed skepticism about Trump’s proposal. According to the U.S. Treasury Department’s September report, tariff revenues for fiscal year 2025 amounted to only $195 billion. By comparison, distributing $2,000 to an estimated 250 million non-wealthy Americans would cost nearly $500 billion—more than double the revenue currently generated by tariffs.
This discrepancy raises questions about how such a program would be funded without significantly increasing the federal deficit. Many experts argue that while tariffs can generate short-term income, they also tend to raise import costs and inflation over time, indirectly burdening consumers.
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Trump’s Tariff Strategy Ahead of 2025 Elections
Political analysts believe Trump’s recent statements are part of his broader 2025 campaign strategy to appeal to working-class voters. During his previous term, Trump imposed tariffs on several countries, including China, as part of his “America First” economic policy—a move that drew both praise and criticism.
As debates continue, one thing is clear: Donald Trump is once again using his signature mix of economic populism and bold promises to energize his base and shape the national conversation on America’s financial future.
