Senator Josh Hawley is igniting controversy with a new idea that would exclusively provide Trump blue-collar voters with rebate cheques financed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The Missouri Republican outlined his idea for the proposal in an interview with former Trump strategist Steve Bannon on the War Room podcast, emphasizing that he does not want the money to go to just anybody.
“Well,” Hawley responded, “you would give it to the working people, not to everyone else.” Our people would get it from you. He went on to say, “The rich people don’t need it.” By this, he means all of the Wall Street Democrats who donate to the Democratic Party and the hedge fund managers who, incidentally, despise the tariffs.
Rebate payments from Senator Josh Hawley: The Biden voters will not receive these. Trump’s blue-collar voters will see this.
They no longer conceal it.image.twitter.com/QaovdvjiKZ
July 29, 2025, Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00)
On July 28, Hawley presented the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. The law, which would be financed by tariff proceeds, would provide $600 for each adult and dependent child. This implies that up to $2,400 might be given to a household of four. The payments, which would be phased out for individuals earning over $75,000 or couples earning over $150,000 annually, would be set up as refundable tax credits. The rebates could increase further if tariff receipts surpass projections.
The plan is being presented as a means of directly distributing the advantages of Trump-era tariffs to working-class households. However, what is attracting the most attention are Hawley’s comments that Democrats or Biden supporters need to be disqualified.
Longtime supporter of economic nationalism, Hawley has frequently justified tariffs as a means of preserving American industry and jobs. His new rebate scheme is a part of a larger effort by Republicans who back Trump to convert the tariffs into direct funding for their supporters.
Hawley’s public remarks have sparked grave worries, even though the measure itself determines eligibility based on economic constraints rather than voter records. Social media and ethical watchdogs have been outraged by the notion of utilizing public funds to favor one political party over another.
With Hawley’s politicized framing, Democrats are likely to oppose the bill. Furthermore, the majority of lawmakers will probably disassociate themselves from his remarks, even inside the GOP. Nonetheless, the plan is in line with a growing tendency in American politics that links political identity with economic policy.
Families affected by inflation and growing expenses may find much-needed respite if the checks are approved. However, it remains to be seen if the proposal can proceed without becoming entangled in political and legal disputes. Additionally, some economists think that Trump’s trade war may raise living expenses.
President Trump took a drastic turn on Wednesday, denouncing Senator Hawley as a second-tier senator and accusing him of being a pawn for Democrats after Hawley joined them in pushing a bill that would have prohibited the president, vice president, and members of Congress from trading stocks.
After making it clear that the proposal would not require asset sales during his current term, Hawley then claimed to have spoken with Trump, who is now apparently in favor of it.
