Bessent argues the American people already had the tariff money through the U.S. treasury.
“The American people had that money. And if I hear another Democratic legislature say make the inane remark, the American people should get the money.”
Bessent expresses confidence that tariff income will match or exceed last year's level, attributing most deficit increase to tariffs.
“I am confident that we will be back to a, the same level, if not higher, of tariff income for last year, and that is most of the increase in the deficit.”
Bessent forecasts 2026 tariff revenue will match 2025 levels and contribute to budget consolidation.
“I would expect that our 2026 tariff income is gonna be roughly what it was in '25, and we're gonna be able to keep that in terms of the budget consolidation.”