Senators Push Trump Dividend Checks Funded by Tariff Revenue

DALLAS, A new push is building in the Senate to make President Donald Trump's idea of $5,000 checks for Americans a reality, though there are conditions attached. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, plans to introduce legislation that would codify these dividend checks and wants it done as soon as the upcoming midterm elections are over. That timing matters because the balance of power could tilt in favor of Democrats afterward.

But Moreno told Fox News Digital the money wouldn't come from taxpayers' coffers. Instead, he wants Congress to approve certain structural tariffs that would act as a "market access fee" and find its way back into the pockets of Americans. And it can only be spent in the U.S. "This dividend would be something that is allowing working Americans to share in the prosperity of this country," Moreno said. "The money would be used only here in the United States, so it's not to be used outside the United States. I think it would provide a big economic boost to our economy."

"So, if you're a company out there, anywhere in the world, you want to sell your products in America, you either make it here in the United States, or you pay a fee to enter our market," he continued. "That money goes to funding this one-time dividend." Trump floated the plan Wednesday night during the Republicans' midterm convention in Dallas. The GOP and several, but not all, vulnerable incumbents and candidates flocked there to energize their base and pitch why they should maintain control of Congress.

The cost, however, could be an eye-popping $1.2 trillion. Moreno argued that the cost was worth it and noted that despite the steps Republicans have taken to lower costs, Americans are still feeling the crunch. "It's about providing relief," Moreno said. "It's acknowledgment that during the Biden years, it was so bad for working families, that, despite what we've already done in 18 months, it just isn't enough to get working families to basically so that they're level, right?"

"Because they're underwater right now," he continued. "I think it's extremely important for us to understand in elected office that working families are struggling." For the plan to work, Republicans would need to maintain their control of both chambers of Congress. This comes as the nation's federal deficit skyrocketed to $40 trillion last month and as the GOP has consistently pitched itself as the party of fiscal responsibility against Democrats' wanton federal spending.

Trump's plan scored one unlikely ally in House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md., leader of a pack of fiscal hawks who routinely scoff at Congress' inability to tackle the nation's debt. "Hardworking American taxpayers probably deserve a tax rebate," Harris said. "We're gonna have to discuss, you know, how large a rebate that would be. But I think, again, American taxpayers deserve relief from taxation.

I think that's a good idea," Harris told Fox News Digital while speaking at the GOP midterm convention. He explained that such a plan would require approval from Congress and suggested using party-line budget reconciliation to sidestep Democratic opposition. The Senate's top Republican agreed with him fully. "It smells very much like a reconciliation issue," Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during his interview with Fox News Digital. Thune noted that Senate Republicans would work with Trump and his team to get the dividends done, but pointed out they had not heard this proposal until Wednesday night. He argued the idea showed a stark difference between the GOP and Democrats seeking power. "I think it illustrates the clear contrast between us and the Democrats about how you want government functioning," Thune said. One side gives more power and money into American pockets while the other lets Washington tell people how to run their lives. Republicans will likely have to rely on reconciliation since Democrats are already attacking the idea hard. "Donald Trump is a known liar. This is the biggest liar to ever serve in government, period," Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., told Fox News Digital. "The dividend is not happening," Garcia added. He listed promises that did not come true, including money from tariffs, Doge, and even Air Force One six months ago. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., recoiled and slammed the move as proof Trump's presidency is so failed he is trying to bribe voters for their votes. "An insult to Americans, to democracy, and an admission of how absolutely screwed he is," Schumer said on X. Moreno countered that Democrats agreed to dump tens of billions outside the U.S. but did not show the same vigor when money should flow back into America. "So look, at the end of the day, these politicians are all hypocritical," Moreno said. "They love helping anybody on earth except for working Americans." He noted they love funding endless wars and solving world problems while claiming there is no money to help workers. What we are saying is no.