Trump reiterates $5,000 dividend pledge as GOP candidates stay silent

President Donald Trump visited a rally in North Carolina and said, “If we win, we’re going to get you $5,000. So that’s it. Very simple.”

Republican candidates speaking at the event did not address the proposal, and a review of recent campaign activity shows the pledge has not been featured in advertising or speeches by most GOP contenders in competitive races.

The Republican National Committee described the payment as part of Trump’s broader economic agenda and urged candidates to support it. >“Of course we encourage all Republican candidates to run on his agenda, and that includes efforts to put more money in the pockets of the American people,” spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said.

A few candidates, such as Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, have publicly praised the idea. However, Democrats have criticized the promise as a repeat of earlier, unfulfilled pledges. >“This idea is nothing more than a recycled broken promise that voters know Republicans will never deliver,” said Viet Shelton, a spokesperson for the House Democratic campaign arm.

Political analysts note that the pledge, which Trump says could be funded without congressional approval, would cost over $1 trillion and could exacerbate inflation. Republican strategist Doug Heye, a former communications director for the party, said candidates are reluctant to adopt the proposal because it is financially unrealistic.