Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Check Proposal Excludes High Earners – Here’s Who Gets Left Out
In a move that's already sparking debate, former President Trump has proposed sending $2,000 tariff checks to most Americans—with one notable exception. High-income individuals won't see a dime of this proposed relief.
The plan, announced today, would redistribute tariff revenue directly to citizens. 'This puts money back in the hands of working Americans,' a campaign spokesperson claimed—while conveniently ignoring how tariffs actually function as regressive taxes.
Wall Street analysts are already calling this what it is: an election-year gimmick dressed up as economic policy. Because nothing says 'populism' like means-testing benefits while maintaining corporate tax loopholes big enough to sail a yacht through.
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“A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone,” TRUMP said in a Truth Social post. He didn’t immediately specify who would be classified as “high income.”
Bessent Hints Trump’s Dividend May Come as a Tax Cut
However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later suggested that the dividend could be in the FORM of “tax decreases that we are seeing on the president’s agenda” instead of a direct payment, adding that he hadn’t yet spoken with Trump about the proposal.
Trump sent out two rounds of stimulus checks during his first administration that were eligible for individuals making up to $75,000 and couples making up to $150,000 per year. Individuals and couples making more money than the threshold were eligible for reduced payments up to a limit.
