Topline
The government may distribute some tariff revenue to Americans soon, President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, the president’s latest suggestion he could send tariff funds directly to taxpayers.
Trump made the comment during an Oval Office appearance Tuesday. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Trump said the federal government will “probably” provide some tariff revenue “over the next fairly short period of time” to Americans, who most economists say bear the majority of tariff costs.
The president then claimed the U.S. has generated $650 billion from tariffs on the European Union, $550 billion from tariffs on Japan and $350 billion from tariffs on South Korea.
However, only about $200 billion in tariff revenue has been reported so far by the government, according to multiple outlets.
Allocation of tariff revenue to taxpayers would likely need to be approved by Congress, the powers of which Trump has tested by canceling, freezing and repurposing congressionally approved funds.
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How Much Money Could Americans Get From Tariff Rebate Checks?
A definitive number has not been reached. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation in July that aimed to provide eligible Americans with at least $600 tariff rebate checks. The legislation is still under review. Trump told One America News Network this month his administration was “thinking maybe $1,000 to $2,000” checks.
Key Background
Trump has suggested tariff revenue could be used for an array of purposes in addition to rebate checks. This month, the president reportedly considered a tariff-funded $10 billion bailout for U.S. farmers who have been hit hard by inflation, higher operating costs and his trade war with China. Trump also claimed shortly after announcing his “reciprocal” tariff policy in April that revenue from the duties could “completely” end or “substantially” reduce many Americans’ income taxes, noting the focus would be “on people making less than $200,000 a year.” However, economists cast doubt on the idea, with the Council on Foreign Relations saying it was “mathematically impossible.”
Further Reading
Trump Claims Revenue From Tariffs Could ‘Completely’ End Income Taxes For Some Americans (Forbes)
Trump Reportedly Eyeing $10 Billion Farmer Bailout—Using Tariffs: Here’s What To Know (Forbes)
Trump Says His Tariffs Collected ‘Trillions’ In Revenue—Here’s The Real Figure (Forbes)
New Bill Proposes $600 Tariff Rebate Checks—Here’s What We Know (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2025/10/21/trump-says-government-will-probably-distribute-some-tariff-revenue-to-americans/
