Trump Proposes Tariff Dividends as IRS Warns of Scams

The Internal Revenue Service and U.S. government officials have repeatedly denied rumors of new federal stimulus checks for early 2026, stating that any such payments would require new congressional legislation. While Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 tariff dividend and a DOGE dividend, neither has been enacted into law. The president's statements on the tariff rebate have been conflicting; he initially promised a dividend of at least $2,000 per person via social media, but later told NBC News he had not yet made a formal commitment despite claiming he is the only person capable of executing the plan.

The proposal faces significant legal and financial hurdles. In February 2026, the Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs in a 6-3 vote, prompting the president to issue an executive order for a temporary 10% import tax valid for 150 days. Additionally, the Tax Foundation estimated the dividend would cost between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion, exceeding projected tariff revenues of $158.4 billion for 2025 and $207.5 billion for 2026.

In contrast to the unfulfilled general stimulus, the administration implemented a tax-free $1,776 Warrior Dividend for approximately 1.5 million service members and a $2,000 Devotion to Duty bonus for Coast Guard members. Throughout the first quarter of 2026, the IRS has warned taxpayers against stimulus-themed phishing scams, reminding the public that official government contact regarding taxes begins via mail.