Trump promises $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans win midterms

Dallas (United States): President Donald Trump has promised that every American adult would receive $5,000 from the federal government if his Republican Party retains control of Congress in the November midterm elections, unveiling a major economic pledge as Republicans seeks to energise voters ahead of the polls.

Speaking at a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump told supporters that a Republican victory would mean a direct payment to Americans.

“So if the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” Trump said.

Trump did not explain how the proposed payment would be funded or provide details on how the scheme would work. He said only that “our country is making so much money.”

Trump puts $5,000 promise at centre of midterm pitch

The pledge came as Trump addressed an unusually high-profile Republican gathering designed to rally support for candidates contesting the November elections.

The two-day convention in Dallas is the first of its kind for the party and has effectively been built around Trump, with the president delivering the keynote address on Wednesday and scheduled to return for closing remarks on Thursday after Vice President JD Vance speaks.

Trump has urged Republicans to run on the record of his administration and has pledged to campaign personally in key contests across the country.

During his speech, he said there were about 35 important Senate and House races that Republicans needed to win and promised to visit those states to campaign for GOP (Grand Old Party) candidates.

“I’m asking you to let us finish the job,” Trump told supporters.

The president also warned voters against handing control of Congress to Democrats, describing them as the “radical-left” and arguing that a Republican victory was necessary to continue his administration's agenda.

Payment promise comes amid affordability concerns

Trump’s $5,000 proposal comes at a time when the economy and the cost of living are expected to be major issues in the midterm campaign.

Trump said his administration was addressing affordability and declared that his predecessors had “killed and buried the American dream”, adding, “We’re fixing it.”

Democrats, however, have been focusing heavily on household expenses, including housing, food, healthcare, childcare, energy and gas prices.

The economic backdrop has also been complicated by the war with Iran. Trump said before travelling to Dallas that oil prices, which have risen amid the conflict, were unlikely to fall until after the midterm elections. He predicted that prices would begin “tumbling downward” after the vote.

Trump seeks to keep Republicans in control of Congress

Republicans currently control the White House as well as both chambers of Congress, making the November midterms crucial for Trump's ability to advance his agenda during the second half of his term.

Historically, the president's party tends to lose congressional seats in midterm elections. Trump acknowledged that pattern during his speech but said Republicans would break with history this time.

“We’re going to change that,” he said.

The president also highlighted several Republican candidates, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for the Senate in a closely watched contest against Democrat James Talarico.

Trump said he would return to Texas to campaign for Paxton, adding that he could visit the state several times if necessary.

Also read | ‘How’s it going, Trump?’ Iran embassy uses Akshay Kumar meme to mock US President

Republicans turn convention into Trump-focused rally

The Dallas event has taken on the character of a campaign rally rather than a traditional party convention. The arena was covered with photographs of Trump, while many supporters wore “Make America Great Again” hats and other Trump-themed clothing.

Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters had described the gathering before it began as a “Trump-a-Palooza”.

Trump used his address to highlight his administration's record on immigration, taxes, investment and the economy, while attacking Democrats as too far to the left.

He also repeated claims about immigration and investment that the Associated Press noted were exaggerated or unsupported.

The convention featured more than 100 speakers across roughly 12 hours of programming over two days, including Republican lawmakers, Cabinet officials and political candidates. Attorney General Todd Blanche's appearance also drew attention because Justice Department leaders traditionally avoid partisan political events because of the department's tradition of political independence.
Also read | ‘Blasts shake Iranian coastline, Saudi air base as Trump predicts post-election end to war

What Trump has not explained about the $5,000 ‘Trump dividend’

Trump's announcement leaves several major questions unanswered, including who would qualify for the payment, when it would be issued, how much it would cost the federal government and where the money would come from.

The president offered no detailed funding mechanism when he announced the proposal, saying only that the United States was making “so much money.”

The $5,000 pledge therefore marks a significant new element in Trump's midterm campaign message, particularly as Republicans attempt to persuade voters that his administration is improving their economic circumstances.

With the midterm elections approaching, Trump is positioning the proposed “Trump dividend” alongside his broader appeal for voters to keep Republicans in control of Congress.