DOJO – President Donald Trump said Monday that U.S. tariff revenues are poised to “skyrocket”, claiming that retailers who previously stockpiled goods to avoid paying tariffs are now running low and will soon import new products under the current tariff regime.
Trump made the comments on Truth Social, while promoting his broader economic agenda aimed at making life more affordable for Americans. The president recently cut tariffs on over 200 products and promised to issue “tariff dividend checks” to most U.S. citizens.
Trump Predicts Surge in Tariff Revenue
Trump argued that the full impact of tariffs has not yet been realized, as businesses initially stockpiled inventory to avoid paying the levies.
“That heavy inventory purchase is now, however, wearing thin, and soon Tariffs will be paid on everything they apply to, without avoidance, and the amounts payable to the USA will SKYROCKET,” Trump wrote.
He framed the tariffs as a tool for boosting national security and economic wealth, saying the payments would be “record setting” and put the U.S. on an “unprecedented course.”
“We are already the ‘hottest’ Country anywhere in the World, but this Tariff POWER will bring America National Security and Wealth the likes of which has never been seen before,” Trump added.
“Tariff Dividend” Checks and Controversy
Trump has proposed distributing $2,000 checks to Americans, excluding high-income earners, funded by tariff revenues. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized that any payouts would require Congressional approval and could take the form of tax cuts or other measures.
Critics, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), have raised concerns about inflation and the growing national debt, which exceeds $38 trillion. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimated that checks could cost up to $600 billion, twice the projected tariff revenue.
Supreme Court Review of Tariff Powers
Trump’s tariffs were imposed using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which is currently under Supreme Court review. The court is weighing whether Trump was legally allowed to enact sweeping tariffs without Congressional approval.
Bessent warned that delaying a ruling could complicate matters:
“Delaying a ruling until June 2026 could result in $750 billion–$1 trillion in tariffs already collected, and unwinding them could cause significant disruption.”
Mixed Public Reaction
While Trump portrays tariffs as a historic financial and security boon for the United States, polls suggest that much of the public is skeptical or opposed, particularly as inflation remains a pressing concern for many households.
