‘People against tariffs are fools’: Trump boasts of record economy, tariff windfall

As Supreme Court reviews his trade policy, Trump doubles down on tariffs as “strongest economic weapon”

November 10, 2025

Trump boasts of tariff success, pledging $2,000 per American while justices question his authority to impose duties under the “Liberation Day” tariffs

Trump defends tariff policy, promises $2,000 dividend for Americans

US President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his tariff policy, calling critics “fools” and claiming that the United States had become “the richest, most respected country in the world” under his leadership.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump said his administration was collecting “trillions of dollars” through tariffs and promised that every American—except high-income earners—would soon receive a $2,000 dividend funded by those revenues.

“People that are against tariffs are FOOLS!” Trump wrote, touting his trade strategy as a pillar of America’s economic success. He claimed the policy had led to “almost no inflation and a record stock market.”

However, the president did not provide details on how or when the promised payments would be distributed. He insisted that tariff revenues would not only benefit citizens directly but also help reduce the national debt.

Supreme Court skeptical of tariffs

Trump’s comments come as his tariff policies face legal challenges in the US Supreme Court. On November 5, justices heard arguments in a case seeking to overturn the duties imposed under Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff order.

Several justices reportedly expressed skepticism about the legality of the tariffs, raising concerns that they may exceed presidential authority under US trade law.

If the court strikes down the policy, experts warn it could trigger over $100 billion in refunds and remove one of Trump’s key economic tools during his second term.

Calling the duties his “strongest economic weapon,” Trump warned that invalidating them would be a “disaster” for the American economy.

Inside Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs

The tariffs, introduced on April 2, impose levies ranging from 10% to 50% on a wide range of US imports based on their country of origin.

Trump has defended the measures as essential for reducing the nation’s trade deficit, boosting domestic manufacturing, and protecting American workers from what he calls “unfair foreign competition.”

Treasury Secretary distances himself from dividend plan

Following Trump’s announcement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked about the proposed $2,000 dividend in an interview with ABC.

Bessent admitted he had not discussed the plan directly with the president, though he suggested that any relief “could come in lots of forms.”

According to Bloomberg, the Treasury Secretary indicated that the proposed benefit might take shape as tax cuts already under consideration—such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security contributions, or allowing deductions on auto loans.

The tariff debate comes amid growing pressure on Trump’s administration to balance populist economic promises with fiscal responsibility.

Analysts say that even as tariffs have boosted revenue, they have also raised costs for American importers and strained trade relations with key allies.

With the Supreme Court decision pending, Trump’s pledge of a $2,000 dividend could face both legal and logistical hurdles in the months ahead.

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