United States President Donald Trump has announced that he would offer every adult American a $5,000 payout if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections, a plan estimated to cost over a trillion dollars, BBC News reported.
The proposal was unveiled during a speech at the party convention in Dallas, though no specific details were provided on how the plan would be funded or implemented. Trump stated that the money would be restricted for domestic spending within the United States. Vice-President JD Vance linked the initiative to revenue generated from sweeping federal tariffs on imported goods.
With nearly 270 million American adults, the proposed dividend would cost the federal government approximately $1.3 trillion. Democratic politicians dismissed the announcement as an empty promise, while various legal experts raised questions regarding the feasibility and legality of such a campaign pledge.
The announcement comes amid rising domestic prices and economic pressures linked to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. The disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant fluctuations in global oil markets. Trump warned supporters that the military campaign would persist through the November elections and that energy prices would remain elevated until then.
The midterm elections on November 3 will determine whether the Republican Party retains its legislative majority in the House and Senate. While critics argue that direct financial pledges during an election cycle could violate federal laws regarding voting influence, legal analysts suggest the proposal could fall under protected political speech or tax policy exemptions.
