Interest is growing again around a proposed $2,000 stimulus payment that former President Donald Trump says could be distributed to many Americans in 2026.

But is this payment officially approved — or still just a proposal?

Here’s what we know right now.

The $2,000 “Tariff Dividend” Proposal Explained

In 2025, Donald Trump stated that tariff revenue collected by the United States could potentially fund a direct payment to American taxpayers.

In a post on Truth Social, he argued that tariffs are generating substantial federal revenue and suggested that a portion could be returned to qualifying Americans in the form of a “dividend.”

According to his statement, the proposal would include:

• A payment of at least $2,000 per eligible individual
• Exclusion of high-income earners
• Funding sourced from tariff revenue rather than traditional federal stimulus programs

The idea has led many to ask whether this would function as a fourth stimulus check — separate from previous COVID-19 relief payments.

However, it’s important to clarify the current status.

Is There an Approved $2,000 Stimulus Check for 2026?

At this time, no $2,000 federal stimulus payment has been approved.

• No bill has passed Congress.
• The IRS has not announced any new federal stimulus program.
• There is no confirmed payment date or official IRS payment schedule.

While Trump has indicated he would like payments issued in 2026, potentially before the midterm elections, the proposal has not advanced into enacted legislation.

For reference, the federal government previously distributed three rounds of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to claim the third stimulus payment expired on April 15, 2025. That program is now closed.

Consumers should be cautious of websites or social media posts claiming a fourth stimulus check has already been authorized. As of today, no such payment exists.

Who Could Qualify for the $2,000 Payment?

Although no final eligibility rules have been established, statements suggest the payment would target middle-income or moderate-income households.

Possible income thresholds discussed publicly include:

• Individuals earning under $100,000 annually
• Exclusion of high-income taxpayers
• Potential alignment with previous stimulus income caps

During a television interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced families earning less than $100,000 as a potential benchmark. However, he noted that income limits remain under discussion.

If structured similarly to prior stimulus checks, eligibility could resemble earlier thresholds:

• Full payments for individuals earning up to $75,000
• Full payments for married couples earning up to $150,000

Again, these figures are not finalized and remain speculative.

Supreme Court Decision May Impact the Proposal

The future of the proposed “tariff dividend” may depend on a pending decision by the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Court is expected to address legal questions related to certain tariffs and whether importers may qualify for refunds. That ruling could affect how tariff revenue is classified and whether it could legally support a direct rebate program.

In short, the proposal’s viability may rely as much on constitutional interpretation as on political support.

What About Your 2025 IRS Tax Refund?

While discussions about a potential 2026 stimulus continue, many taxpayers are currently focused on their 2025 federal tax refund.

If you filed electronically and selected direct deposit, refunds are typically issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts the return.

If you requested a paper check, delivery may take six to eight weeks.

To track your refund status, taxpayers can use the official IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov.

Bottom Line

There is currently no approved $2,000 stimulus check for 2026.

The proposed payment remains a political proposal, not an enacted federal relief program. Any official updates would require congressional approval, IRS guidance, and a confirmed funding mechanism.

Until then, Americans should rely only on verified government sources for accurate information regarding stimulus payments, tax refunds, or federal financial assistance programs.