Trump’s proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” is meant to sound like another stimulus check, but it would work differently. Instead of using regular federal funds, the plan depends on money collected from tariffs on imports. Trump calls it a win for households and the national debt, saying it would give middle- and lower-income Americans cash while helping reduce the $37 trillion debt. He also said there would be no checks in 2025, with possible payments in 2026, likely before midterms. He has insisted this is “a tariff, not a tax.”

The idea faces major doubts. Current tariff revenue is far below what’s needed to send $2,000 to tens of millions of adults, and no one knows whether future tariff income would grow enough to cover it. Congress has not approved anything, the IRS has given no instructions, and all eligibility rules are still only hypothetical.

For now, it’s best to see the plan as a campaign promise, not a confirmed payment. People should ignore scams or viral posts claiming checks are already being issued, since no program exists.