The Trump administration has moved to clarify confusion over the proposed $2,000 “tariff dividend” that President Donald Trump announced on social media. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the payouts could reach most Americans, except high-income earners, through various fiscal measures and tax cuts.
Speaking to ABC News, Bessent explained that the benefits might appear as tax reliefs — including no taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, plus deductions on auto loans. He noted that he had not yet discussed the proposal directly with Trump but expected the funds to come from tariff revenues.
Trump defended his tariff strategy, saying it had made the United States “the richest and most respected” nation globally. He claimed every American, except the wealthy, would receive at least $2,000 from the tariffs his administration imposed.
Bessent added that over the next few years, the US could collect trillions from tariffs. He emphasized that the main goal was to make trade fairer and reduce the national trade deficit.
However, Trump’s policy faces legal challenges after the Supreme Court questioned its validity. If overturned, the decision could force refunds exceeding $100 billion.
