Stimulus Checks Possibly Coming in 2026, Funded by Tariff Revenue

Since February, lawmakers have been introducing the idea of sending stimulus checks to Americans, funded partly by revenue from Trump's sweeping tariffs since his return to office.

Americans haven't seen stimulus checks in six years. The fourth one may come this summer.

After the Supreme Court declared Trump's tariffs on multiple countries illegal in February, talks of returning some of the money collected to Americans have circulated.

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), introduced the "American Consumer Tariff Rebate Act of 2026" back in March, with the goal of serving as restitution for price spiked consumers have paid caused by the tariffs. The legislation proposes allocating $231.35 billion to fund rebate payments for Americans.

“Tariffs function as hidden taxes on families and create uncertainty for businesses,” said Cuellar. “When companies pay more to import goods and materials, those added costs are passed on to consumers, driving up prices on groceries, fuel and energy, vehicles and auto parts, building materials, and other everyday household items.”

However, after the Supreme Court knocked down Trump's tariffs, importers who paid them have the opportunity to seek refunds. Over $130 billion was collected from the tariffs by December 2025. However, reversing the tariffs could put the U.S. on the hook for refunds totaling $175 billion, according to a report by the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

As Americans continue to bite the costs associated with Trump's sweeping tariffs, talks of stimulus checks may pay Americans back.