Trump promises $5,000 dividend if Republicans win midterms
President Donald Trump used the first night of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas to make a new promise to voters: a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November.
(NBC)- President Donald Trump used the first night of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas to make a new promise to voters: a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in November.
Trump spoke for about an hour and 45 minutes Wednesday night, urging supporters to vote Republican and making himself a central part of the party’s midterm campaign.
Trump called the proposed payment a “dividend” and said it would be possible because of the country’s economic performance. He said the money would have to be spent in the United States.
The president did not provide details about how the proposal would be implemented. Estimates suggest providing $5,000 to every adult American could cost more than $1 trillion and would require congressional approval.
Vice President JD Vance later suggested tariff revenue could help fund the payments, though reporting indicates current tariff revenue would not be enough to cover the estimated cost. Trump has proposed other forms of payments to Americans in the past that did not ultimately materialize.
The convention also included an appearance by Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who appeared by video to introduce Republican Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick. Fetterman later said the two remain members of different parties but described McCormick as a friend and reiterated that he remains a Democrat.
Other Democrats held counter-events, while some Republican lawmakers facing competitive reelection campaigns chose to skip the Dallas convention.
Florida Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar said she needed to remain in Miami to campaign, while Wisconsin Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden attended and pointed to the party’s accomplishments as his reason for going.
The first-of-its-kind midterm convention is designed to generate enthusiasm among Republican voters ahead of November’s elections, when control of the House and Senate will be decided.
