Did Trump walk back $2,000 checks? President appears to forget making the promise to Americans

President Donald Trump was recently asked about his promise to give Americans $2,000 checks from tariff money. The question was asked during a wide interview by New York Times reporters Katie Rogers and Tyler Pager. In audio shared on X, Katie Rogers reminded Trump about his $2,000 check promise. Rogers said, “You promised $2,000 checks to Americans based off of your tariff revenues. When can —”, as mentioned by Media ITE.

Trump looked confused and replied, “I did do that? When did I do that?” Rogers tried to continue, but Trump interrupted and said, “Yeah, I’m thinking — well, I did $1,776 for the military.”Tyler Pager then asked directly, “When will those Americans get those checks?”, as stated by The New York Times. Trump responded that the money is coming and said, “the tariff money is so substantial that’s coming in, that I’ll be able to do $2,000 sometime, I would say toward the end of the year.”

Military checks claim

Trump earlier announced $1,766 “warrior dividend” checks for military members just before Christmas. Trump claimed those military checks came from tariff money. Defense One reporter Thomas Novelly later reported the money did not come from tariffs. Novelly said the money actually came from “Congressionally-allocated reconciliation funds intended to subsidize housing allowances for service members.”

Advisor speaks on $2,000 checks

Trump’s top economic adviser Kevin Hassett spoke to CBS News about the $2,000 checks. Hassett said, “I would expect in the new year the president will bring forth a proposal to Congress to make” the checks happen, as cited by CBS News. Hassett explained the money “could come from tariff revenue.” He also said Congress must approve the spending because “this would have to be money that’s an appropriation.” CBS News anchor Margaret Brennan reacted by saying, “So, don’t bank on it, in other words.”

Americans are still waiting for another promised payment of $5,000 linked to DOGE savings, as cited by USA Today. In February, Trump said that money would come from savings found by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Trump described it as “using part of the 20% savings identified by [Elon] Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and giving it back to taxpayers.”

FAQs

Q1. Did Trump forget about the $2,000 checks promise?

Yes, Trump appeared unsure about the promise when reporters asked him during an interview.

Q2. When could Americans get the $2,000 checks?

Trump said the checks might come toward the end of the year, but Congress must approve them.