Trump says $5,000 payment would cover only a hamburger and dessert

President Donald Trump told a rally in Texas that the $5,000 payment he has promised to every adult citizen if Republicans win both chambers of Congress would buy "a hamburger and maybe a small dessert" at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. He added that price-conscious voters might not even be able to purchase that, advising them not to go there.

The comment comes as cost of living remains a top concern for voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with recent polling showing a majority of adults consider affordability a key issue. Economists have warned that a one-time $5,000 payment would have limited impact on household budgets and could add to inflationary pressures.

Implementing the payment would cost about $1.2 trillion and would require congressional approval. The pledge follows earlier promises by the president of cash assistance that have not been delivered.

"Go to Florida, go to any one of our great places. You can even come to Mar-a-Lago. The problem is that for $5,000, the most you'll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert," Trump said.

The remarks were made amid broader campaign discussions, including criticism of the White House renovation by former President Barack Obama, which the president dismissed as partisan attacks.