经济热点问答｜2000美元能“买来”民众支持加征关税吗

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government's proposal to distribute a one-time $2,000 "tariff dividend" to citizens raises questions about its feasibility and legality, especially in light of the significant costs involved and the ongoing Supreme Court review of tariff policies [1][3][5]. Financial Implications - The total cost of distributing $2,000 to the entire U.S. population of approximately 340 million would amount to $680 billion, and even after excluding high-income earners, the cost would still exceed $500 billion [1]. - The projected tariff revenue for the fiscal year 2025 is $195 billion, which is a significant increase of $118 billion from the previous fiscal year, but still insufficient to cover the proposed dividend [1][2]. Legal Considerations - The legality of the proposed "tariff dividend" is under scrutiny, as the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to levy taxes, while the President's authority to impose tariffs is being challenged in the Supreme Court [3]. - Officials are attempting to frame tariffs as diplomatic tools rather than revenue-generating measures, complicating the legal landscape surrounding the proposed dividend [3]. Public Sentiment and Economic Impact - Surveys indicate that the American public does not support the current economic and trade policies, suggesting that the proposed dividend may not garner the intended support for the government's tariff strategy [4]. - The burden of tariffs is likely to be passed on to American consumers through increased prices, potentially negating the benefits of the proposed $2,000 payment [5]. Political Strategy - The proposal for a "tariff dividend" may be a strategic move to counteract criticism of the negative economic impacts of tariffs, creating a perception that protectionist policies can provide benefits to the public [5][6]. - The approach of taxing citizens and then offering rebates or cash payments is described as a common political tactic in the U.S. [6].