GOP Sen. Kennedy: Refunding Tariff Money to Business Would Boost Economy

Published: Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:51 am

Senator Kennedy Proposes Tariff Refund to Stimulate Economy

In a recent interview on Fox News' "Hannity," Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) advocated for refunding a significant portion of collected tariff money to American businesses. The Senator believes such a move could provide a substantial boost to the economy.

Kennedy highlighted the substantial sum of money generated through tariffs, estimating the total to be between $150 billion and $400 billion. He emphasized that this money is currently held within the United States. The Senator suggested that returning a substantial portion, potentially $300 billion, to the business community would ignite economic growth. He also noted the upcoming midterm elections.

Kennedy also discussed the role of tariffs in trade negotiations. He stated that the tariff authority, used by a President, was instrumental in securing trade agreements with countries like India, Japan, South Korea, and those in Europe. He argued that these agreements are unlikely to be reversed. He also noted that there are other potential avenues for trade authority.

BNN's Perspective:

Senator Kennedy's proposal raises important questions about the use of tariff revenue and its potential impact on the economy. While refunding tariff money could provide a short-term stimulus, it's crucial to consider the long-term implications. A balanced approach that considers both economic growth and the potential impact on trade relations is essential. The debate highlights the ongoing discussion about the role of tariffs in international trade and their impact on American businesses and consumers.

Keywords: Senator Kennedy, tariffs, economy, trade agreements, business community, economic stimulus, trade authority, midterm elections, refund, Fox News

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