Trump shares new update about $2,000 checks he promised to almost everyone in America

The President and experts suggest that eligibility would be income-based.

According to SSA expert and YouTuber Blind to Billionaire:

“It is based on your income – that’s it. I’ll make it very clear here, is your income below $75,000 a year, as an individual, yes or no? That’s it. That’s all you need to know. If your answer is yes, you are most likely eligible for this.”

For married couples, the threshold is higher: $150,000 annually. This means that for most middle-income Americans, the $2,000 check could be in reach — if the plan goes through.

The catch

While Trump’s statements have generated excitement, the reality is still uncertain. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for legislation:

“We will see,” he said, when asked if the plan would be realized. “We need legislation for that.”

Trump himself noted that the payments would likely arrive sometime in 2026, while also framing them as part of a broader strategy to reduce national debt.

How much could the government really give?

Estimates from non-partisan groups suggest potential complications. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget points out that while tariffs might raise roughly $300 billion per year, dividend payments could cost around $600 billion per round.

Meanwhile, the Tax Foundation warns that accounting for foreign retaliation and economic impacts, actual tariff revenue could be lower than expected.

Why the dividend?

Trump has long argued that Americans have indirectly paid for tariffs, which could justify giving money back to citizens:

“May in some cases [tariffs] raise prices… to a large extent … have been borne by other countries,” he said, while also signing an order exempting certain agricultural products from tariffs.

Essentially, the checks are framed as a reward to the American people for tariff contributions, though experts caution that repealing the tariffs might be a simpler way to provide relief.

Bottom line

In November, Trump pledged to send dividend checks to “individuals of moderate income” sometime in 2026, ahead of the midterm elections.

But for now, the $2,000 tariff dividend is more promise than reality. Trump has repeatedly highlighted it in Cabinet meetings and public appearances, painting it as a win for middle-income Americans and a tool to reduce debt.

But the plan will require legislation, and economists warn that the projected revenue may not cover the proposed payouts.Continue reading…