President Donald Trump answers reporters' questions in the Oval Office on Monday, Nov. 17. Nov. 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of White House YouTube live stream]President Donald Trump said Monday he wants to send tariff checks to "moderate income, middle income" Americans by mid-2026.

Speaking to reporters during a meeting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Task Force at the White House, he said, "We are going to give thousands of dollars to moderate income individuals, and pay off their debt." He added, "We have secured a lot of money from tariffs. Without tariffs, this country would have been in serious trouble."

Trump stated, "We've secured an enormous amount of money. Do you know what's more important than that? We've stopped our companies from being plundered, just like we did with the semiconductor industry. We are now bringing all of those companies back."

According to the Treasury Department, as of September 30, the federal government generated $195 billion in tariff-related revenue, a 153% increase from $77 billion in fiscal year 2024. The Treasury Department reported that approximately $30 billion was collected in July alone.

In August, President Trump rocked the global trade system by imposing a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all countries, with additional tariffs applied differentially by country.

The President has focused on affordability issues in recent weeks, arguing that rising costs are due to policies implemented under former President Joe Biden, not his tariff policies.

However, on Friday, President Trump rescinded tariffs on over 200 food items, including coffee, beef, bananas, and orange juice, as consumer complaints about rising grocery prices intensified.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared somewhat flustered by this bold tariff dividend plan on Sunday.

Speaking on Fox News, Bessent stated that he had not discussed dividends with the president, suggesting that it might not mean Americans will receive checks from the government.

When asked if President Trump would send direct payments of over $2,000 to Americans, Bessent told host Maria Bartiromo, "We'll have to see. That would require legislation."

He added, "Again, President Trump is focused on solutions."

Bessent explained, "All options are on the table, but again, because he has kept his promises to American workers… not taxing tips, Social Security, overtime pay, etc., refunds and real income will rise significantly in the first quarter."

It is unclear exactly which segment President Trump was referring to when he mentioned "moderate income, middle income," but it is noteworthy that it differs from the previously announced "low and middle income." The repetition of "moderate income" and "middle income," which have similar meanings, may indicate an intention to exclude low-income or impoverished individuals.

The most controversial aspect of the tariff dividend policy is the total amount. The total amount of dividends to be distributed to the public could exceed the total tariff revenue. However, if the recipient group is narrowed, this issue will naturally disappear.

Unlike government subsidies that typically support low-income individuals, President Trump's announcement that he would give tariff dividends to the middle class suggests a prioritization of those who significantly contribute to the market.

By Sung Ku Hong, Editor-in-Chief, USA NNP / Special Correspondent for this publication NNP info@newsandpost.com