(MENAFN) President Donald Trump unveiled a controversial proposal Sunday promising American citizens direct payments of at least $2,000 funded through tariff collections, a plan that would require lawmakers' authorization to implement.

Writing on Truth Social, his proprietary platform, Trump declared: "A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone."

The announcement emerged as Supreme Court justices scrutinize the legality of his sweeping tariff strategy, while a prolonged government closure—now entering its 40th day—has crippled federal food aid distribution systems.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent outlined potential implementation methods during an interview, stating: "The $2,000 dividend could come in lots of forms."

Bessent indicated the administration might structure payments through tax relief mechanisms, specifically eliminating levies on gratuities and overtime compensation.

Defending his protectionist trade approach, Trump asserted: "People that are against tariffs are fools! We are now the richest, most respected country in the world, with almost no inflation, and a record stock market price."

The president maintained his tariffs are producing massive revenue streams that will "soon begin paying down our enormous debt, $37 trillion."

The dividend announcement coincides with mounting concerns over disrupted nutrition assistance programs, casualties of America's record-breaking government shutdown spanning over five weeks.

Congressional authorization remains mandatory for any distribution scheme, though Capitol Hill remains paralyzed by the budget impasse that precipitated the current closure.

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