Could You Get a $600 Tariff Rebate Check? What Trump and Hawley Are Proposing

CLEVELAND 13 (WCTU) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday reignited discussion over a potential “tariff dividend” for Americans, suggesting that the federal government could issue rebate checks from surplus tariff revenue. As of late July 2025, U.S. tariffs have generated approximately $152 billion in revenue, according to the latest figures that include customs duties and excise taxes.

“We may very well make a dividend to the people of America,” Trump said during a public appearance, indicating that revenue from his tariff policy could exceed the amount needed to reduce the national debt. “The purpose of what I’m doing is primarily to pay down debt… but we’re taking in so much money,” he added.

Economists forecast that if current tariff levels hold, they could generate between $2.5 and $2.9 trillion in revenue over the next decade. However, projections also warn of an estimated $400 to $470 billion in negative economic impacts, particularly for consumers and businesses absorbing the increased costs.

Senator Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 earlier this year, proposing that a portion of tariff revenues be redirected to American households. The bill offers a $600 rebate per adult or dependent and up to $2,400 for a family of four, with potential increases if revenue exceeds projections. “This money should go back to American workers, not sit in Washington,” Hawley said during his announcement of the bill.

Despite the public attention, the proposed legislation has seen little movement in Congress. Republican lawmakers, who currently control both chambers, have shown minimal interest in rebate checks. Instead, they favor applying tariff revenue toward reducing the national debt, which has surpassed $37 trillion.

The structure of U.S. tariffs means that while the federal government collects revenue from imported goods, the cost is largely borne by American importers and passed down to consumers. According to the Yale Budget Lab, the effective tariff rate now stands at over 18 percent, the highest since 1934. Their analysis projects that the average American household will pay $2,400 more this year due to increased prices on goods such as footwear, apparel, vehicles, and produce.

Federal Reserve officials have confirmed that American companies intend to continue passing these costs onto consumers. Prices are expected to rise by 40 percent for shoes, 38 percent for apparel, 12 percent for vehicles, and 7 percent for fresh produce, according to Yale’s analysis.

Congress holds the authority to approve any financial disbursement to the public. Even if the Trump administration continues advocating for tariff dividend payments, such checks would require formal legislation from both the House and Senate. As of now, Hawley’s bill remains the only structured effort to provide rebates tied to tariff revenue.

Whether the idea gains traction may depend on consumer sentiment and economic pressures. If prices continue to climb and public dissatisfaction increases, lawmakers could revisit the rebate proposal.

“There’s also a possibility that we’re taking in so much money that we may very well make a dividend to the people of America,” Trump reiterated, signaling his openness to the concept, even as legislative hurdles remain.

-------------

At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.