In November 2025, Trump announced that revenue from new tariffs would allow the government to issue a “$2,000 payment per person, excluding high-income earners.” He said the funds would come from “trillions of dollars generated through tariffs,” combined with efforts to reduce national debt.

More than two months later, no payments have been distributed, causing frustration and confusion. Trump has repeatedly referenced the proposed payout, claiming in a December cabinet meeting that “the following year would bring the largest tax refund season ever.” However, no clear timeline or method for the payment has been provided.

Questions remain over eligibility. Trump later said the payment would go to “middle- and lower-income individuals, not all Americans,” and distinguished it from the “warrior dividend,” a $1,776 payment already issued to U.S. military members before Christmas.

Despite the military payments, eligible civilians are still waiting for any sign of the $2,000 distribution.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Trump appeared unsure when asked about the $2,000 promise, initially questioning “when he had made such a statement.” He did acknowledge the military payment and suggested the larger civilian payout “may still happen,” citing the scale of tariff revenue.