Washington, D.C. (US) — Former US President Donald Trump has once again defended his controversial tariff policies, asserting that the duties imposed on foreign imports have made the United States “the richest and most respected country in the world.”
Trump also pledged that all Americans, excluding high-income earners, would soon receive a $2,000 “dividend” from tariff revenues collected under his administration.
His remarks, shared on his Truth Social account, came just days after the US Supreme Court raised constitutional concerns over the legality of Trump’s broad tariff measures — a case seen as a key test of presidential authority with global economic implications.
“People who 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. 401(k)s are the highest ever. We’re taking in trillions of dollars and will soon start paying down our enormous $37 trillion debt,” Trump wrote.
He further claimed that his tariff policies had triggered record levels of domestic investment, with new plants and factories being established across the country.
“A dividend of at least $2,000 per person (excluding high-income individuals) will be paid to everyone,” Trump added.
Defending his trade strategy, Trump argued that imposing tariffs was within his legal and constitutional powers — even more so, he said, than suspending trade with a foreign nation altogether.
“So let’s get this straight — the President of the United States can completely stop trade with a foreign country, but cannot impose a tariff on that country, even for national security purposes?” he questioned.
The Supreme Court’s review of Trump’s tariff policies could have far-reaching consequences for future administrations and global trade relations, as economists warn that expanding executive powers over trade could destabilize international markets.
