President Donald Trump appeared unsure when questioned about his promise to send $2,000 cheques to Americans funded by tariff revenues. Reporters asked him about the pledge during a recent Air Force One interview.
Trump had made the promise in November 2025, claiming that tariff revenue—reportedly over $600 billion—would allow Americans, excluding high-income earners, to receive a “dividend of at least $2,000.”
When asked by The New York Times’ Katie Rogers about the plan, Trump replied, “I did do that? When did I do that?” He later said the payments would come “sometime, I would say, before the end of the year,” citing the substantial tariff revenue.
Trump has frequently touted the U.S. economy under his leadership, highlighting record stock markets, high 401(k) values, low inflation, and increasing investment in U.S. plants and factories. In November, he posted on Truth Social that those “against tariffs are fools.”
The response drew heavy criticism on social media. Users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed doubt that Americans would ever see the promised checks, comparing the pledge to other unfulfilled promises, such as crypto refunds.
Forbes recently reported that Trump’s net worth increased to $7.3 billion in 2025, up from $3.9 billion in 2024, fueling criticism that the president has benefited personally while promises to Americans remain unfulfilled.
The $2,000 tariff cheque pledge remains a point of contention as Trump continues to highlight U.S. economic gains under his policies, even as the public questions the feasibility and timing of the payments.