Lutnick Says Trump’s $5,000 Dividend Would Avoid Tax Revenue as Cost Could Reach $1 Trillion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 12
Lutnick Says Trump’s $5,000 Dividend Would Avoid Tax Revenue as Cost Could Reach $1 Trillion
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 12
Summary
$5,000 checks promised by Trump if Republicans keep Congress would not come from tax revenue, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, insisting the plan could be funded without adding to the deficit.
Lutnick pointed to nontraditional sources: a proposed program charging wealthy visitors up to $5 million to extend visas — which he said could raise $500 billion — and gains tied to the government’s $8.9 billion Intel investment.
That funding case faces skepticism because Trump has also cited tariff revenue, yet the Supreme Court ruled proceeds from his 2025 “liberation day” tariffs must be returned, and analysts previously said a $2,000 tariff rebate exceeded available receipts.
The proposal has drawn wider criticism as US national debt tops $40 trillion, while an AP poll found only 32% of adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 40% at the start of his second term.