Trump pledges US$5,000 payment if Republicans retain Congress
The proposed “Trump Dividend” has no confirmed funding or authorisation and could cost about US$1.3 trillion.
US President Donald Trump has promised a US$5,000 payment to every adult American if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress at November’s midterm elections.
Trump announced the proposed “Trump Dividend” at a Republican convention in Dallas, Texas. He gave no details on its funding, eligibility rules, administration or how spending in the United States would be monitored.
With nearly 270 million American adults, the proposal could cost the US government about US$1.3 trillion, although the estimate would depend on the final eligibility rules.
Congress, rather than the president alone, authorises federal spending. Trump did not say whether he would seek congressional approval or whether Congress would support the payments if Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Democrats described the proposal as an “empty promise”, while legal experts questioned whether it could be lawful. Federal law prohibits payments intended to influence voting, although some experts said the plan could be framed as a tax cut and attract protection under the First Amendment.
Trump has previously proposed US$2,000 payments funded by tariff revenue. Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections, with the BBC World report noting that the payment remains a campaign proposal rather than a confirmed benefit.
