Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every adult American if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November’s midterm elections, turning the party’s first midterm convention into an extraordinary pitch for votes.
Speaking in Dallas on Wednesday night, the president told supporters that the proposed payment would be known as the “Trump dividend”. He presented it as a reward for maintaining Republican majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us,” Mr Trump said to applause. “And it will be called the ‘Trump dividend’.”
The pledge would carry a potential cost of more than $1 trillion, based on the number of adults in the United States. It also immediately raised questions over how the scheme could be funded and whether offering money conditional on an election result could breach US election law.
Vice-president JD Vance appeared to qualify the proposal shortly afterwards, suggesting the payments might not be intended for wealthy Americans. No details were given on eligibility, funding or how the dividend would be administered.
Trump puts himself at centre of Republican midterm campaign
Mr Trump’s speech lasted one hour and 44 minutes, well beyond its scheduled running time, and ranged from a defence of the war in Iran to attacks on Democrats, whom he described as communists and extremists.
Although he is not standing in the midterms, the president urged Republican voters to treat the election as if he were on the ballot. “Please pretend that I’m running,” he said. “If we don’t have the majorities, so much can be lost.”
He acknowledged the electoral risk facing his party, telling the crowd: “We might not win.” Republicans are confronting difficult political conditions as they attempt to preserve control of Congress in November.
The two-day gathering at the American Airlines Centre was created by Mr Trump as an effort to energise the Republican base and promote candidates in competitive races. Sections of the arena were visibly empty as he addressed supporters.
Mr Trump said he would visit the states and districts of Republican candidates facing close contests, arguing that midterm elections were traditionally difficult for the party holding the presidency. “The midterms are not supposed to be won by the party of the sitting president, and we’re going to change that,” he said.
Republican candidates used the opening day to portray their party as representing ordinary Americans, while accusing Democrats of embracing socialism and communism. Nineteen candidates in closely fought House and Senate races are due to deliver short speeches during the convention.
Among them was Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who is seeking the Republican nomination for the US Senate. Mr Paxton appealed for votes, prayers and financial support, warning that losing Texas would damage what he called the “common sense revolution”.
Mr Trump endorsed Mr Paxton despite criticising aspects of his appearance and political record. His campaign has faced fundraising difficulties and a challenge from Democratic state representative James Talarico, while Trump’s Super PAC, MAGA Inc, has committed $10 million to support the Republican’s campaign and attack his opponent.
Mr Trump is due to return to the stage on Thursday alongside Mr Vance for the convention’s closing session. The programme is also expected to include a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated a year ago, and an observance marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Other speakers scheduled to appear include former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump Jr and Robert F Kennedy Jr, the health and human services secretary.
