Donald Trump Tariff Update: POTUS Says $2,000 Payouts Are on the Way - Here's When the Checks Are Coming

President Donald Trump announced that most Americans could receive £1,520 ($2,000) tariff dividend checks, funded by revenue from customs duties on imported goods. The payments are aimed at the majority of adults, but high-income earners would be excluded.

The POTUS emphasised that the checks would be made possible by the large revenue generated from tariffs implemented during his administration. He reported that the US collected around £148.2 billion ($195.9 billion) in tariffs during fiscal year 2025, including around £68.4 billion ($90 billion) coming from tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Legal Challenges Could Slow the Payouts—Here's Why

While the promise of the dividend checks is pleasing to ordinary citizens, the plan is facing major roadblocks that could halt it immediately. Several of the tariffs are currently under legal review by the Supreme Court, which is questioning whether the use of IEEPA to impose these tariffs is lawful. A ruling against the administration could significantly reduce the revenue available for dividend payments.

Additionally, Congress has yet to approve any legislation to authorise these payments. Without congressional approval, the checks cannot be distributed legally. Some lawmakers have expressed concern about the potential cost, arguing that the focus should be on reducing the federal deficit rather than issuing broad rebates.

Trump Is Still Pushing the Payments

The proposed £1,520 ($2,000) payments could carry major financial implications. If around 150 million Americans were to receive the full amount, the total cost would be near £228.1 billion ($300 billion). This figure may surpass the actual revenue collected from tariffs. Experts caution that ongoing legal battles and tight budget limitations could pose serious obstacles, making it challenging for the administration to distribute the checks as planned.

Despite the obstacles and legal questions surrounding the plan, Trump remains intent on continuing the payout plans. He recently offered a new update, saying the tariff-funded checks meant to give taxpayers some financial relief are now expected to be distributed sometime in 2026. And when asked if the proposal failed to get approval, Trump said, 'Then I'd have to do something else.'

'It will be next year. The tariffs allow us to give a dividend,' the president told reporters aboard Air Force One while on his way to Mar-a-Lago. 'We are going to do a dividend and we are also going to be reducing debt.'

What the Tariff Dividend Checks Mean for Americans

Although Trump's announcement offers a hint of potential financial relief, the fact that the checks won't arrive until 2026 means they won't help Americans cope with the rising costs they are experiencing right now. Households facing higher prices on groceries, energy, and everyday goods will likely need to rely on other strategies to manage expenses in the meantime.

Meanwhile, several key factors will determine whether Trump's proposed £1,520 ($2,000) tariff dividend checks actually become a reality. These include the Supreme Court's upcoming ruling on the legality of tariffs imposed under IEEPA, congressional approval to authorise the payments, and the final rules on who qualifies. Until these issues are settled, the checks remain a proposal rather than a promise of assistance.