Donald Trump announced a new economic plan on Truth Social that would use tariff revenue to fund nationwide payments. He said the proposal would give “a dividend of at least $2,000 per person (excluding high-income earners)” to Americans.
Trump explained that the idea is to raise money through tariffs on imported goods and then send part of that revenue directly to citizens. The goal is to make foreign exporters pay more while returning those funds to American households. He defended the strategy, saying critics of tariffs are “fools” and claimed the U.S. is “the richest, most respected country in the world” under his policies.
The plan, called the “American Dividend,” is still unclear. It’s not known how payments would be delivered or who exactly would qualify. Possible methods include rebates, tax credits, or adjustments in other programs, but no official system has been released.
Economists say tariff-funded dividends are unusual but compare them to ideas like Alaska’s oil payments. Critics warn that broad tariffs might raise prices and disrupt trade, while supporters believe they could strengthen U.S. manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign goods.
For now, the proposal remains a political vision. If implemented, it would be one of the largest attempts to turn tariff revenue into direct payments for Americans, with its success depending on future policy details, congressional approval, and effects on trade.