Some Americans may soon see a surprising form of financial relief.

The idea stems from a controversial economic policy that’s stirred debate across political and business circles.

While many are still adjusting to the newest tax legislation, another form of direct assistance may be on the table.

Nothing has been finalized yet—but new remarks have sparked speculation.



A new round of rebate checks could be issued in the near future, according to recent comments made by President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters before departing for an overseas trip, President Trump said the administration is considering offering Americans rebate checks based on rising tariff revenue.

“We're thinking about a little rebate,” he said. “But the big thing we want to do is pay down debt.”

Still, he repeated, “we're thinking about a rebate.”

President Trump clarified that the rebates could be directed “for people of a certain income level,” though he did not provide a specific threshold.



This comes as federal debt exceeds $36 trillion, and new projections show it could rise even further in the coming years.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, is expected to increase the deficit by approximately $3.4 trillion over the next decade.

Those projections are based on analysis from the Bipartisan Policy Center, which cited estimates from both the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation.



Also read: Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill, Part Two: What the fine print means for seniors

Revenue from new tariffs is one potential funding source for the proposed rebate program.

So far, the government has collected around $100 billion in tariff revenue this year, and that number could grow to $300 billion annually, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during a recent interview.

Tariffs are technically paid by US importers—including major retailers and manufacturers—that bring in goods from abroad.

Companies like Walmart or Ford Motor may choose to absorb those additional costs or pass them on to consumers through price hikes.

According to recent inflation data, some of those added expenses may already be trickling down to everyday buyers.


President Trump has brought up rebate checks in the past, including a February remark suggesting that 20% of projected savings from a new cost-cutting task force could be redirected toward direct payments.

That task force—known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—is tied to cost-saving measures introduced by Elon Musk.

During the pandemic, three rounds of rebate checks were issued to Americans.

Two were signed into law during the Trump administration, with a third passed under the former Biden administration.

Unlike those pandemic-era payments, this potential rebate would likely need to go through the tax system.

Typically, rebate checks require legislative approval and must be authorized by Congress through new tax laws.



Also read: A new proposal could bring $1,000 rebate checks to millions of homeowners

The most recent tax and spending package—signed on July 4—includes certain deductions and benefits, but it does not contain any provision for tariff-based rebates.

Some features of the new law are income-limited, including a $6,000 deduction for senior citizens that begins to phase out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples.

While no final decision has been made, the conversation has now shifted toward whether tariff earnings could be used to fund direct relief for qualifying Americans.

Read next: What the "Big Beautiful Bill" could mean for your energy bills—and the environment

Would you support rebate checks funded through tariffs? Do you think they’d help everyday Americans? Let us know what you think in the comments.