Trump Pledges $5,000 Payout if Republicans Win
US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every adult American citizen if Republicans retain control of both the House of Representatives and Senate in November’s midterm elections, unveiling what he called a “Trump dividend”.
Trump Links $5,000 Dividend to Republican Victory
Speaking at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas, Trump said the payment would be issued if Republicans won both chambers of Congress.
He said the money would have to be spent inside the United States but provided no details on how that restriction would be enforced.
Trump also did not explain how the programme would be funded or whether Congress would need to approve the expenditure.
Trump Payout Could Cost Over $1 Trillion
With nearly 270 million adults living in the United States, a universal $5,000 payment could cost roughly $1.35 trillion if every adult citizen received it.
Vice President JD Vance later suggested wealthy Americans could be excluded, which could reduce the overall cost. However, no income threshold or detailed eligibility rules have been announced.
Trump previously proposed a $2,000 tariff-funded dividend, but that plan did not receive congressional approval.
Midterm Pledge Comes Amid Iran War Pressure
The announcement comes as Republicans prepare for the November 3 midterm elections amid concerns over inflation, energy prices and the continuing US conflict with Iran.
Trump has defended the economic pain associated with the war, arguing that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons justifies short-term costs.
He has also predicted that the conflict and elevated oil prices could ease after the midterms.
Democrats have criticised the $5,000 proposal as an unfunded campaign promise, while questions remain over its affordability, congressional approval and potential impact on the federal budget.
