Key Takeaways
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that President Donald Trump’s proposal for $2,000 rebate checks would require approval from Congress.
- The proposed payments, funded by tariff revenue, would be targeted toward working families with an income limit.
- The entire plan faces a significant hurdle as the Supreme Court is currently weighing the legality of the tariffs themselves.
- President Trump has continued to advocate for the plan, recently posting about it on social media.
WASHINGTON — The possibility of Americans receiving $2,000 checks funded by trade tariffs remains uncertain, hinging on both legislative action and a crucial Supreme Court decision, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Speaking on “Sunday Morning Futures,” Bessent addressed President Donald Trump’s repeated proposal to issue tariff rebate checks, stating that the administration cannot act alone.
Congressional Approval Needed
When asked about the timeline for the potential rebate checks, Bessent made it clear that the next step lies with lawmakers.
“We will see. We need legislation for that,” Bessent said, adding optimistically that, with legislative support, “Those could go out.”
He clarified that the proposed payments would be designed “for working families” and would include an income cap to ensure they target those most in need, rather than high-income individuals.
Trump’s Push for a “Tariff Dividend”
The idea of using tariff revenue for direct payments to citizens has been a recurring theme for President Trump. In a recent post on Truth Social, he championed the concept.
“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! … A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,” Trump wrote.
The proposal first emerged in July, framed as a way for Americans to receive a direct portion of the revenue generated from taxes on imported goods.
Read on Truth Social
Supreme Court Challenge Looms Large
A major obstacle to the plan is a pending Supreme Court case challenging the president’s authority to impose the tariffs in the first place. Earlier this month, several justices appeared to express deep concern with the administration’s use of an emergency law to justify the trade measures.
If the court rules against the administration, it could invalidate a large portion of the tariffs, eliminating the very funding source for the proposed checks.
Bessent addressed this possibility, expressing confidence in the administration’s position. “I don’t think this ruling is going to go against us, but if it does, what’s (the Supreme Court’s) plan for refunds?” he questioned. “I don’t think the Supreme Court wants to wade into a mess like that.”
For now, the fate of the $2,000 checks remains in limbo, dependent on the complex interplay between the White House, Congress, and the nation’s highest court.
Image Referance: https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/16/business/bessent-tariff-rebate-supreme-court-trade