Professor of Polticial Science and Public Policy Jason Husser spoke with WFMY News 2 about the possibility that the government could issue checks from revenue made from tarriffs.
President Donald Trump has proposed to issue a “dividend” of approximately $2,000 per person funded by tariff revenue. Jason Husser, professor of political science and public policy, recently spoke with WFMY in Greensboro, North Carolina, about the feasibility of this plan and its impact.
“We have seen a U.S. Senator, Senator Hawley, talk about doing a $600 check that does fit sort of the back-of-the-envelope math that this might be possible. But when we’re talking about the scale that President Trump has alluded to, it does seem to be more money needed than what has been brought in by tariffs,” Husser explained.
The Committee for a Responsible Budget says tariff revenue is close to $350 billion, but the checks would cost nearly $600 billion. And if the plan does come to fruition, Husser says the checks may not be issued quickly.
“There may be some urgency, but right now we still haven’t reopened the government, so I am not personally going to go out and buy some extra Christmas presents with this check,” Husser said.