In a series of posts on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump announced that most Americans would soon receive a $2,000 “dividend” payment, which he claimed was linked to his tariff policy. Trump said the payout would exclude “high-income people” but did not specify income thresholds or a payment timeline, leaving key details unclear.
‘Tariff Dividend’ Amid Shutdown and Economic Uncertainty
The announcement comes as the longest government shutdown in US history continues, forcing thousands of federal employees to depend on food banks. Despite this, Trump doubled down on his tariff strategy, calling critics “fools” and insisting that tariffs have made the United States the “Richest, Most Respected Country in the World.”
He cited record stock market highs, strong 401(k) performance, and surging factory investments as proof that his economic approach was working. “We are taking in Trillions of Dollars and will soon begin paying down our ENORMOUS DEBT of $37 Trillion,” Trump wrote.
Tariffs and Legal Challenges
Trump’s remarks came shortly after the US Supreme Court heard arguments over his administration’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs—a move that three lower courts had previously ruled illegal. Several justices appeared sceptical of the legality of Trump’s actions.
Defending his position, Trump claimed presidential authority allowed him to regulate trade fully for national security reasons. He wrote, “The President of the United States is allowed to stop ALL TRADE with a foreign country… but not put a simple tariff on one? That is NOT what our Founders had in mind!”
Political Context and Public Reaction
Trump’s “tariff dividend” pledge comes just days after Democrats’ electoral victories across several states, intensifying political tensions. Critics view his announcement as a populist move to regain support during a period of economic strain and political gridlock.
Trump, however, maintains that his policies have boosted affordability, even claiming Walmart’s Thanksgiving dinner prices dropped 25 percent under his administration compared to “Sleepy Joe Biden’s.”
