Overview
- Pressed by NBC’s Tom Llamas, President Trump said he is “looking at” $2,000 tariff-funded checks and could promise them but has not committed, after previously floating timing toward the end of 2026.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said legislation would be required, and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett indicated any plan would need to be brought to Congress through the appropriations process, with no formal proposal submitted.
- A pending Supreme Court review of Trump’s tariff authority could undercut or block the revenue the administration has cited for potential rebate checks.
- There has been no official announcement or legislative action indicating checks will go out in February.
- Sen. Josh Hawley’s tariff rebate bill has not advanced, the earlier $5,000 DOGE check idea was dropped after Elon Musk’s departure, and Trump’s claim that a $1,776 military payment came from tariffs has been refuted.