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)
Getty ImagesKey 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.
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