House Republican Unveils Plan to Reduce National Debt with Trump's Tariff Revenues

Republican Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) is pushing new legislation that would convert President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy into a long-term debt-cutting tool.

Moran’s plan involves channeling billions in fresh trade revenues into paying down America’s $37 trillion national debt.

The congressman has just introduced the Tariff Revenue Used to Secure Tomorrow (TRUST) Act.

TRUST would create a dedicated Tariff Trust Fund at the Treasury Department.

Starting in fiscal year 2026, any tariff dollars collected above the 2025 baseline would automatically flow into the fund.

The law requires that the money be used exclusively to reduce the deficit when the federal government is in the red.

“President Trump’s bold use of tariffs has already proven effective in bringing foreign nations back to the negotiating table and securing better trade deals for America,” Moran said.

“That short-term success has produced record-high revenues, and now we need to make sure Washington doesn’t squander them.

“The TRUST Act ensures those dollars go where they are needed most—toward reducing our national debt and protecting the financial future of our nation.”

🚨 INTRODUCED: The TRUST Act 🇺🇸
America’s $37 trillion debt is unsustainable. My bill ensures record tariff revenues are locked into one purpose: reducing the debt and restoring fiscal discipline. pic.twitter.com/g2V0X4zg86

— Congressman Nathaniel Moran (@RepNateMoran) September 5, 2025

The move comes as tariff revenues have surged under Trump’s expanded trade strategy.

In August alone, the U.S. collected more than $31 billion in tariff revenues, the highest monthly total so far in 2025.

According to Treasury data, the government has already collected $183.6 billion this year.

The figure is more than double the $86.5 billion brought in by the same point in fiscal year 2024.

Tariff revenues have jumped each month since April, climbing from $17.4 billion to $23.9 billion in May, $28 billion in June, and $29 billion in July.

At the current pace, the government could match last year’s entire tariff haul in just five months.

The surge coincides with a recent federal appeals court decision striking down parts of Trump’s global tariff program, ruling that he overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping levies under emergency powers.

The court argued that only Congress has the authority to enact tariffs outside existing trade frameworks.

The Trump administration, however, secured a temporary stay allowing the tariffs to remain in place until at least October 14, while Attorney General Pam Bondi appeals the ruling to the Supreme Court.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already emphasized the importance of tariffs not only as leverage in trade negotiations but also as a potential tool for fiscal reform.

He has said tariff revenue could generate more than $500 billion for the federal government, providing a major new stream of funds to combat the ballooning deficit.

The national debt now stands at $37.4 trillion as of September 3, according to Treasury figures.

The level has alarmed fiscal conservatives and reignited debates over runaway spending in Washington.

“Complacency is no longer an option,” Moran said.

“We must act with urgency and begin to bring down our national debt immediately.”