Trump proposes $5,000 payment to Americans if Republicans keep congressional control
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Donald Trump announced a $5,000 payment for each U.S. citizen contingent on Republican victories in the midterms, prompting criticism over its cost and feasibility.
Donald Trump told attendees at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas that a "Trump dividend" of $5,000 would be given to every U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress after the November elections. The proposal would cost roughly $1.2 trillion, according to budget analysts, a figure that exceeds the combined amount of the three rounds of COVID-19 relief checks.
Republican Representative Chip Roy expressed doubt about financing the plan, asking how it could be paid for and noting the estimate of more than $1 trillion. Budget experts warned that the payout would add substantially to the federal deficit and could increase inflation.
Democratic officials condemned the pledge. > "After making you sicker and poorer with his war, Donald Trump now wants to buy your vote with $5,000 in taxpayer-funded blood money," said California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Democratic National Committee described the offer as an empty promise that would benefit Trump and his donors rather than working families.
Economic analysts noted that current tariff and excise tax revenues, which total about $210 billion for the fiscal year, would be insufficient to fund the payment without several years of collection. Chief economist Peter Schiff said bond markets were reacting to the perceived fiscal risk, with Treasury yields rising.
Some Republicans, such as Senator Bernie Moreno, indicated support for drafting legislation to implement the payment, while others, including Senate candidate JD Vance, suggested the benefit might be means-tested.