UPDATE: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced today that proposed one-time payments of $2,000, funded by tariff revenue, will not worsen inflation. This statement comes as families across the nation face increasing economic pressures due to rising costs.
In an urgent interview on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Greer emphasized the significance of these payments for struggling households, stating, “This is real money that’s coming in, and we get to decide what to do with it.” This development marks a pivotal moment as President Donald Trump seeks to explore various options to provide relief, with tariffs generating substantial revenue.
Greer firmly rejected concerns that the $2,000 checks could ignite inflation, asserting that the payments are neither extensive nor long-term enough to impact inflation trends. “This is not some kind of ongoing new welfare program or something that would exacerbate inflation,” he said, reinforcing the administration’s position on the matter. He expressed confidence that most Americans would welcome the financial boost, but maintained that it would not alter the broader economic landscape.
The proposal traces back to November 9, when Trump first suggested that tariff revenues could fund these vital payments for low- and middle-income families. According to Trump, any surplus from these funds could contribute to alleviating the nation’s staggering $38 trillion debt. Last week, he indicated that Americans could potentially start receiving these payments as early as next year, stating, “We’ve taken in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariff money. We’re going to be issuing dividends probably by the middle of next year, maybe a little bit later than that.”
The momentum for these dividends has surged, reflecting a notable increase in tariff revenue since Trump introduced his “Liberation Day” tariffs in April. Revenue collections soared from $23.9 billion in May to $28 billion in June and $29 billion in July. By the conclusion of the fiscal year on September 30, 2025, total duty revenue reached an impressive $215.2 billion, according to the Treasury Department’s report. This trend has continued into fiscal year 2026, with the U.S. accumulating $40.4 billion in tariff revenue since October 1.
The timing of this proposal is crucial as the Supreme Court is currently deliberating the legality of Trump’s tariff actions. The outcome of the ruling could significantly influence both the administration’s trade policies and the future of the proposed dividend checks.
As the situation develops, families eagerly await further details on the $2,000 payments and their potential impact on household budgets. The U.S. administration is expected to address additional proposals in the coming weeks, highlighting the urgency of providing financial relief to Americans facing economic challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
