Money Talks: Trump's Bold Ideas for Health Care and Tariffs

In a series of posts on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump suggested some big ideas:

• Health Care Proposal:
• Redirect funds from insurance companies under ObamaCare to Americans directly.
• Allow people to buy their own health care.

• Proposed putting money into health savings accounts for medical expenses.

• Tariff Proposals:
• Claimed the U.S. is making money from tariffs.
• Suggested using this money to pay down the national debt and fund new investments.
• Proposed a $2,000 dividend for each person, excluding high-income individuals.

Official Response

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spoke on ABC's "This Week":

• The health care proposal was not fully worked out.
• It was not yet sent to the Senate.
• The government shutdown needed to end first.

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, spoke on CBS News' "Face the Nation":

• Trump was just brainstorming.
• The idea of mailing checks had not been widely discussed.
• The Senate was still in session over the weekend.

Tariff Dividend Details

Bessent also discussed the $2,000 tariff dividend idea:

• Could take many forms, including:
• Tax decreases on tips, overtime, and Social Security.
• Deductibility of auto loans.
• These were substantial deductions in the tax bill.

Background

The idea of sending tariff rebate checks came up earlier this year:

• In July, Trump said he would favor sending these checks.
• Senator Josh Hawley introduced a bill for $600 checks.
• The Senate has not yet voted on this bill.

Political Context

Trump's posts came during a government shutdown:

• Democrats and Republicans were in a stalemate.
• An NBC News poll found Americans blamed Republicans more.
• Democrats won recent elections in New Jersey and Virginia.
• Exit polls showed voters disapproved of Trump's job performance.

Trump's Recent Posts

Since then, Trump has insisted the economy is strong:

• Posted about tariffs on Truth Social.
• Claimed the U.S. is the richest and most respected country.
• Noted there is almost no inflation.
• The stock market is at a record high.
• 401(k)s are at their highest ever.

Conclusion

The shutdown has stretched into its 41st day:

• The Senate is still trying to find a deal.
• Trump's ideas may not be official yet.
• They show a willingness to think outside the box.