Trump Appears to Forget $2,000 Check Promise
During a recent Oval Office interview, President Donald Trump appeared unsure about his earlier promise to send $2,000 checks to most Americans. The pledge was originally tied to revenue generated from tariffs.
When New York Times reporter Katie Rogers reminded him of the plan, Trump looked momentarily confused. “I did do that? When did I do that?” he asked.
Confusion Over Past Promises
After pausing, Trump said he may have been thinking of a different proposal. He pointed instead to a $1,776 bonus for service members.
Still, he insisted the $2,000 payments remain possible. According to Trump, tariff revenue could fund the checks later this year.
“I’ll be able to do 2,000 sometime, I would say, toward the end of the year,” he said.
Tariffs at the Center of the Plan
Trump first proposed the checks as a way to return tariff revenue to middle- and low-income Americans. He has repeatedly argued that tariffs bring in substantial funds.
However, the timeline remains vague. The administration has not provided a clear distribution plan or eligibility details.
Experts Question the Math
Budget analysts have raised serious concerns. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the checks would cost about $600 billion.
By comparison, tariff revenue totaled roughly $90 billion as of September 30. That figure falls far short of the projected cost.
Legal Risks Could Derail the Payments
Meanwhile, the tariff policy faces legal uncertainty. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on challenges to the tariffs soon.
If the Court strikes them down, the government may have to refund collected revenue. That outcome would likely eliminate any funding source for the checks.
Inflation Worries Add Pressure
Inflation concerns further complicate the proposal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that distributing large cash payments could push prices higher.
He has urged Americans to save the money rather than spend it if the checks arrive.
Republican lawmakers share those concerns. While inflation has cooled from recent peaks, many fear tariff-funded payments could reignite price pressures.
Uncertainty Remains
For now, the $2,000 checks remain a promise without a firm plan. Confusion over past statements, revenue shortfalls, legal challenges, and inflation risks all cast doubt on whether Americans will ever see the money.