Panorama papers
By Adam Newman
President Donald Trump has announced an initiative to distribute 2,000-dollar checks to roughly 150 million Americans. The proposal, framed as a dividend funded by tariff revenues, is currently under discussion between the White House and the Treasury Department.
On Sunday, Trump stated on Truth Social that the dividend would be paid to every eligible citizen, excluding high-income individuals. The measure is presented as a response to criticism that the tariffs imposed by his administration have contributed to rising prices for American consumers.
According to federal authorities, implementing these payments will require Congressional approval. At this stage, no clear majority has emerged around the plan, which could become one of the largest direct cash distributions since the economic relief measures deployed during the 2020 pandemic.
Since returning to office, Donald Trump has relied heavily on a policy of high tariffs on imported goods, arguing that it protects domestic industry. However, several studies have indicated that these tariffs ultimately increase consumer prices, putting pressure on household purchasing power. The proposed dividend, funded by tariff revenue, is therefore intended to offset this economic impact and strengthen the president’s political support.
