When payment could occur
Former President Donald Trump announced a new idea on Truth Social: funding a nationwide “American Dividend” using money collected from tariffs.
In his post, he said “a dividend of at least $2,000 per person (excluding high-income earners) will be paid to everyone.”
The plan would place tariffs on imported goods and then redistribute part of that revenue to U.S. citizens.
Trump defended tariffs as successful economic tools, calling critics “fools” and claiming the U.S. is “the richest, most respected country in the world.”
However, the proposal remains vague. It’s unclear how payments would be delivered or who would qualify, and no official system has been outlined.
Analysts say the idea resembles revenue-sharing models like Alaska’s oil dividend, though tariff-based payouts are rare.
Supporters argue it could boost domestic industry, while critics warn tariffs may raise prices.
For now, the “tariff dividend” is a political concept awaiting details and congressional support.
