Trump Defends Tariff Policy, Calls Critics ‘Fools,’ Promises $2,000 Payout for Americans

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday touted his tariff policy as a major success, calling opponents “fools” and claiming the United States had become “the richest, most respected country in the world” under his leadership.

Trump said his administration was collecting “trillions of dollars” in tariff revenues and vowed that every American — except high-income earners — would soon receive a $2,000 ‘dividend’ funded by those revenues.

“People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “Under my leadership, the U.S. has become the richest, most respected country in the world, with almost no inflation and a record stock market.”

While Trump did not specify how or when the payments would be distributed, he insisted the funds from tariffs would both reduce national debt and directly benefit citizens.

Supreme Court Questions Legality of Tariffs

Trump’s remarks come amid mounting legal pressure, as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a challenge to his sweeping tariff program. During a November 5 hearing, several justices expressed skepticism about the legality of the duties, which plaintiffs argue exceed presidential authority.

If overturned, the decision could force the government to issue over $100 billion in refunds and eliminate one of Trump’s key economic tools in his second term.

The case focuses partly on Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs, which impose 10% to 50% levies on most U.S. imports based on country of origin. Trump has defended the duties as vital to reducing America’s trade deficit and boosting domestic manufacturing, calling tariffs his “strongest economic weapon.”

Treasury Secretary Yet to Discuss Plan

Following Trump’s announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had not yet discussed the $2,000 dividend plan directly with the president. Speaking on ABC, Bessent said the proposal “could come in lots of forms,” according to Bloomberg.

He suggested the relief might take the shape of targeted tax cuts already on Trump’s agenda — including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security, and allowing deductions for car loans.

Trump has repeatedly credited his tariff policy for driving economic growth and claimed that removing it would be a “disaster for the U.S. economy.”