Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 “dividend” to every adult American if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
The president made the pledge during a lengthy speech at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, September 9, as he sought to revive his party’s prospects and place himself at the centre of the campaign.
“If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them … I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” Mr Trump told supporters.
He said the payment would be known as the “Trump Dividend” and added that recipients would have to spend the money in the United States. He gave no details about how the scheme would operate, who would qualify or when payments would be made.
Trump dividend could cost more than $1 trillion
The proposal would require approval from Congress and could cost more than $1 trillion, according to estimates cited by the Associated Press. That would come as the US faces an annual budget deficit approaching $2 trillion and national debt of about $40 trillion.
Vice-president JD Vance appeared to qualify the pledge shortly after the speech, suggesting that wealthy Americans might not receive the money and that tariff revenue could help fund it. The revenues collected through tariffs, however, would be far below the amount needed for payments of $5,000 to every adult.
Republican senator Bernie Moreno said he would prepare legislation for the dividend after the November 3 election, should the party win both the House and Senate. It remains unclear whether sufficient support exists in Congress for the plan.
Mr Trump framed the election as a referendum on his presidency, urging voters to “pretend” he was on the ballot. Republicans are defending narrow majorities in Congress amid concerns over the economy, high prices and the political impact of the war in Iran.
His address also repeated familiar themes, including tariffs, efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and attacks on Democrats. He claimed inflation was lower than when he took office, without providing supporting figures.
The two-day gathering has been dominated by Mr Trump, with several vulnerable Republican candidates appearing alongside him as the party attempts to mobilise his supporters ahead of the midterms. Vice-president Vance is due to address the convention on Thursday, with Mr Trump scheduled to deliver closing remarks.
