Gov. Healey demands $1,745 refund for all Mass. residents over President Trump's tariffs

Healey's administration says Trump's "unconstitutional" tariffs have inflicted "financial harm" on Bay Staters.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Gov. Maura Healey has penned a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent demanding a nearly $2,000 refund to every Massachusetts household over what she's described as 'financial harm' caused by President Trump's 'unconstitutional' tariffs. Healey cited U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee data that estimates Trump's tariff actions have cost American consumers about $1,745 per household between February 2025 and January 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing political and legal battles over the economic impact of the Trump administration's trade policies, with state governments like Massachusetts seeking to recoup costs they say were unfairly imposed on residents.

The details

In the letter, Healey called on Bessent to 'immediately formulate a plan to refund tariff proceeds' and put money back in the pockets of Massachusetts residents. Healey estimates that with approximately 2.8 million households in the state, $4,886,000,000 is owed to consumers who shouldered the burden of increased costs. Healey also urged Trump to reconsider his global tariffs.

  • Between February 2025 and January 2026, Trump's tariff actions cost American consumers about $1,745 per household.
  • A federal judge recently ruled that companies that paid tariffs struck down last month by the Supreme Court are due refunds.

The players

Maura Healey

The governor of Massachusetts who has demanded a $1,745 refund for all Massachusetts residents over President Trump's tariffs.

Janet Bessent

The U.S. Treasury Secretary to whom Healey has penned a letter demanding the refund.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President whose 'unconstitutional' tariffs Healey says have inflicted 'financial harm' on Massachusetts residents.

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What they’re saying

“From groceries and household goods to construction materials and consumer products, Massachusetts residents paid more at the register, and businesses absorbed higher operating costs. Having unlawfully seized over $100 billion from American people and businesses, the federal government must immediately take steps to pay full restitution.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (boston25news.com)

“I call on the Trump Administration to immediately formulate a plan to refund tariff proceeds and put money back in the pockets of the hardworking people of Massachusetts.”

— Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts (boston25news.com)

What’s next

A federal judge recently ruled that companies that paid tariffs struck down last month by the Supreme Court are due refunds. The Treasury Department has not yet commented on Healey's request.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political and legal battles over the economic impact of the Trump administration's trade policies, with state governments seeking to recoup costs they say were unfairly imposed on residents. It raises questions about the federal government's responsibility to provide restitution for unlawful tariffs that harmed American consumers and businesses.