Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) responded to a statement from President Donald Trump claiming he would pass legislation to give Americans some of the money being taken from them due to the trade war.
It didn't go down well for him.
Trump told reporters on Friday that he could offer Americans rebates for the higher level of tariffs they are paying.
Hawley swiftly chimed in on X: "I will introduce legislation in the Senate to send a rebate check to every working person in America."
Commenters were swift to reply.
"The bill you a--holes just passed adds trillions to our debt you schmuck," replied liberal influencer and podcaster Jo Carducci.
NBC News' national politics reporter Jonathan Allen commented, "The suggested policy is to raise prices by taxing imports and then subsidize taxpayers with a rebate — like hiring someone to rob me and then donating a little of the $ back to me. Could just skip tariffs, but this way Big Brother gets a cut and pols claim hero status. Debt ↑."
A TikTok influencer, Boston Smalls, suggested to Hawley, "Could just get rid of the tariffs and things won't cost as much."
Indiana activist Mike Young noted, "Imagine paying more at the pump thanks to tariffs, then getting a 'rebate' that’s just your change back. Hawley’s plan? Smoke and mirrors from the swamp."
"Incoherent BS. Our leaders have lost the plot across the spectrum," said Satellogic President Matt Tirman.
Speechwriter and healthcare communications expert Brian Chiglinsky mocked, "TFW your comms team is Bernie but your [legislative] director is Ayn Rand."
Communications strategist Carter Christensen called it all a ploy. "Trying to distract Americans from Epstein and a crashing economy by sending everyone checks again. Insane."