White House Economic Advisor Proposes $2,000 Tariff Rebate Checks Amid Inflation Concerns

Kevin Hassett, chair of the WHITE House National Economic Council, signaled potential for $2,000 tariff rebate checks in 2026 during a Bloomberg Economics event. Tariff revenues are exceeding expectations without triggering stagflation, creating fiscal space for direct payments—a policy originally championed by former President Trump.

While touting debt reduction progress, Hassett warned inflation remains a persistent threat. "We lost control of inflation in recent memory, and it's more under control now, maybe not all the way there," he noted, referencing how wage growth failed to match price surges during peak inflation periods.

The advisor invoked Alan Greenspan's critiques of reckless fiscal spending, cautioning that renewed stimulus could reignite inflationary pressures. His remarks highlight the delicate balance between economic relief measures and monetary stability as the administration weighs its 2026 reconciliation bill.