Former President Donald Trump recently introduced an economic idea on Truth Social proposing a nationwide “dividend” funded through tariff revenue. Under this plan, he claimed that every eligible American—excluding high-income earners—would receive at least $2,000. The announcement emphasized his belief that tariff policies could directly benefit U.S. households while placing greater financial responsibility on foreign exporters.

According to Trump’s outline, the proposal would rely on collecting tariffs from imported goods, then redirecting part of the revenue to citizens. He argued that tariffs strengthen the U.S. economy and dismissed critics of the approach, pointing to economic conditions during his administration as support for his claims.

Despite the bold promise, details surrounding the so-called “American Dividend” are unclear. Trump did not specify how payments would be distributed or what criteria would define eligibility. Possible options include tax credits, rebates, or offsets in essential services, but no formal structure has been presented.

Economists and policy analysts are examining the proposal with both interest and caution. While tariff-based public dividends are uncommon, there are parallels in revenue-sharing systems like Alaska’s Permanent Fund, which distributes payments derived from oil revenue. Experts note that although tariffs can generate government income, they may also drive up consumer costs and complicate trade relationships.

Supporters argue that a tariff-driven dividend could bolster domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign goods, aligning with broader goals of economic nationalism. They view the proposal as part of a strategy to reassert U.S. economic leverage while channeling revenue toward citizen benefits.

For now, the plan remains conceptual rather than actionable. Its feasibility will depend on future policy development, political support, and the broader economic impact of expanded tariffs. Trump’s proposal highlights his recurring theme of using national revenue tools to prioritize American households, though its real-world outlook remains uncertain.