US President Donald Trump on Sunday proudly defended his tariff strategy, saying it had made America “the richest, most respected country in the world.” He claimed his administration had collected “trillions of dollars” from tariffs and promised that most Americans would soon receive a $2,000 “dividend,” except for high-income earners.

In a fiery post on his social media platform, Trump lashed out at those who oppose tariffs. He wrote, “People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS!” He further boasted that under his leadership, the United States enjoyed “almost no inflation and a record stock market.”

Trump did not clarify how or when the $2,000 payments would be distributed. However, he insisted that the revenue from tariffs would not only reduce national debt but also directly benefit American citizens.

Supreme Court Reviews Tariff Legality

Trump’s remarks came at a time when his key trade policy faces serious legal challenges. On November 5, the US Supreme Court heard a case questioning the legality of his tariff measures. Several justices reportedly expressed doubts about whether the duties were lawful.

If the court overturns the tariffs, it could lead to more than $100 billion in refunds and remove one of Trump’s most important economic tools in his second term.

In recent statements, Trump has described tariffs as his “strongest economic weapon.” He warned that striking them down would be a “disaster” for the US economy, arguing that they help protect American workers and industries.

The “Liberation Day” Tariffs Explained

Part of the case focuses on Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs. These duties range between 10% and 50% on most imported goods, depending on their country of origin. Trump has defended them as essential to shrinking the nation’s trade deficit and boosting domestic manufacturing.

He has repeatedly said that these tariffs are vital for securing America’s economic independence and reducing reliance on foreign products.

Treasury Secretary Yet to Discuss Dividend Plan

Following Trump’s announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked about the proposed $2,000 “dividend” during an interview with ABC. He admitted he had not directly discussed the plan with the president but said the relief “could come in lots of forms,” according to Bloomberg.

Bessent explained that the support could be tied to tax reforms already under consideration. These include removing taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security, as well as allowing deductions for auto loans.

Economic Uncertainty Amid Bold Promises

While Trump continues to promote his tariff policy as a success story, economists remain divided over its long-term impact. The Supreme Court’s final ruling will determine whether his trade measures — and the promised $2,000 payout — can move forward.