Former President Donald Trump announced a new economic idea on Truth Social, proposing a nationwide payout funded by tariff revenue. He said the plan would give “a dividend of at least $2,000 per person (excluding high-income earners).”

Trump’s proposal centers on placing tariffs on imported goods and then redistributing part of that revenue to U.S. citizens. The goal is to make foreign exporters “contribute more” while sending the earnings back to American households. Defending the approach, Trump said critics of tariffs are “fools” and argued that during his presidency the U.S. was “the richest, most respected country in the world.”

Details about the so-called “American Dividend” remain unclear. Trump did not explain how payments would be delivered or how eligibility would work. Possible methods could include rebates or tax credits, but nothing official has been released.

Experts are watching the idea closely. They note that while the concept is unusual, similar models exist, such as Alaska’s oil dividend. Critics warn that broad tariffs often raise consumer prices and complicate trade relationships. Supporters counter that they can help domestic industries and reduce dependency on foreign production.

For now, the proposal is more of a political message than a full policy. If developed, it would be one of the largest attempts to use tariff revenue for direct payments to Americans.