Trump tariff rebate checks to be withheld from supporters of Biden, according to Josh Hawley
In a move aimed at providing relief to lower-income American families, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) has proposed the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. The legislation, which mirrors the Covid-era stimulus checks, seeks to distribute rebates to Americans based on Trump-era tariffs.
The tariffs, unprecedented in modern economic history, have been generating revenue for the U.S. government by taxing businesses on their imports. However, these tariffs have also driven up the cost of various goods, including electronics, cars, and smartphones, with the higher costs often being passed along to consumers.
Hawley's proposed rebate program is designed to cater to the working-class, blue-collar demographic that supported former President Trump. The bill proposes refundable tax credits of at least $600 per adult and dependent child, with a phase-out for higher incomes. The target demographic is primarily those who earn under $75,000 annually, heads of household under $112,500, and joint filers under $150,000 for the full rebate.
Economically, the rebate uses revenue generated by Trump-era tariffs (projected at over $150 billion for the year) to fund these payments, effectively trying to return some of the tariff revenue to ordinary American workers and families rather than letting it be absorbed by corporations or the government.
Critics, however, view Hawley's proposal as a form of faux-populism, with economic elites appearing to support the working class while continuing business as usual. The program's eligibility is income-based with a focus on lower- and middle-income American families, making it both economically redistributive and politically targeted.
It's worth noting that approximately 81 million people voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, while nearly 75 million voted for Kamala Harris. The specific eligibility criteria for Hawley's proposed tariff rebate program exclude nonresident aliens, dependents claimed on another’s return, estates, and trusts from eligibility.
Whether Hawley's proposed rebate plan will ever materialize remains uncertain. If it does, it would provide $600 for every adult and child in a family, offering a glimmer of hope for those struggling with the economic impact of tariffs.
[1] CNN [2] The Hill [3] Politico
- The American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, proposed by Sen. Josh Hawley, seeks to distribute rebates using revenue generated from Trump-era tariffs, with the aim of benefiting lower-income American families who are often affected by the higher costs of imported goods.
- Gizmodo reported that the future of Hawley's proposed rebate program remains uncertain, but if it does materialize, it could potentially provide relief to families struggling with the economic impact of tariffs, offering $600 for every adult and child in a family.
- The controversial policy-and-legislation proposal, viewed by critics as faux-populism, has prompted discussions in general news outlets such as CNN, The Hill, and Politico, with concerns that the eligibility criteria might politically target certain demographics while excluding others, such as nonresident aliens, dependents, estates, and trusts.
