Speaking at the Republican Party’s first-ever mid-term convention, held this year in Dallas, Texas, President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 (about £3,700) “dividend” for every adult American if his party retains control of both the House and the Senate in November’s elections. With roughly 270 million adults in the country, the pledge would cost the federal government an estimated $1.3 trillion — and Trump offered no details on funding, timing, or oversight, saying only that recipients must spend the money inside the United States.
Democrats dismissed the offer as an empty campaign promise, while legal experts questioned whether it violates federal rules against using payments to influence votes. Others argued it could instead be framed as a tax-cut pledge, which would fall under free-speech protections. It isn’t the first time Trump has floated such an idea: he previously suggested $2,000 checks funded by tariff revenue, echoing a similar promise Georgia Democrats made during the pandemic.
The announcement comes as US households face rising prices, partly fueled by the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the war would likely continue past the midterms, arguing that short-term economic pain is worth preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Read the full BBC report for more details.
Source: Trump says every adult American would get $5,000 if Republicans win midterms (feeds.bbci.co.uk). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: IK's World Trip, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).