Dallas: President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
He said the payment would apply if Republicans keep control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Trump also said recipients would have to spend the money in the United States.
However, Trump gave no details on how the plan would work. He also did not explain how the government would fund the payments.
$1.35 Trillion Proposal
The proposed payment could carry a huge cost.
There are roughly 270 million adults in the United States. A $5,000 payment for each adult would therefore cost about $1.35 trillion.
Reuters and other reports said it remains unclear whether the proposal could become law or how the payments would reach Americans.
Trump has previously discussed direct payments funded by tariff revenue. However, Wednesday’s pledge directly tied the proposed dividend to a Republican victory in the midterm elections.
Trump Puts Himself at Center of Midterms
The announcement came during a lengthy speech that lasted about one hour and 45 minutes.
Trump used the address to promote his record and urge voters to support Republican candidates. He also asked voters to treat the election as if he himself were on the ballot.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the crowd.
The president has vowed to campaign in competitive states and congressional districts before Election Day. The midterm election is scheduled for November 3.
Republicans Rely on Trump
The Dallas convention highlights how closely Republican candidates remain linked to Trump.
The two-day gathering is the Republican Party’s first midterm convention. Party officials designed the event to promote Trump’s record and rally support for Republican candidates.
However, some Republicans facing difficult races chose not to attend. Their absence reflects concerns about the political risks of remaining too closely tied to Trump.
At the same time, several competitive candidates appeared at the convention and backed the party’s campaign message.
Cost of Living Remains a Key Issue
Trump also attacked Democrats during his speech and portrayed them as a threat to the country.
However, the convention gave less attention to some issues that voters have identified as major concerns. These include the cost of living and the ongoing war involving Iran.
Trump defended his policy toward Iran and argued that his administration was working to improve economic conditions.
Meanwhile, Republican leaders are seeking to keep their congressional majorities in an election shaped by economic concerns, foreign policy and Trump’s popularity.
Democrats Face Republican Attacks
Several Republican speakers used the convention to attack Democratic positions on immigration, border security and transgender issues.
They portrayed Democratic policies as extreme and sought to energize the Republican base.
Still, the party faces a broader challenge. Republicans must appeal to Trump’s core supporters while also attracting independent and swing voters.
Trump’s $5,000 proposal adds another major economic promise to that campaign effort.
