Trump Tries to Buy Votes with $5,000 Bribe to Americans if Republicans Hold Congress
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Donald Trump unveiled a reckless $5,000 per citizen payout, contingent on Republican control of Congress, drawing outrage over its astronomical cost and blatant attempt to buy votes.
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Donald Trump shamelessly dangled a so-called 'Trump dividend' of $5,000 for every U.S. citizen, but only if Republicans manage to cling to congressional power after November's elections. This cynical ploy would cost an estimated $1.2 trillion—an amount that dwarfs all three rounds of COVID-19 relief checks combined, according to budget analysts.
Even some Republicans, like Representative Chip Roy, questioned the feasibility of this reckless promise, asking how such a massive payout could possibly be funded and highlighting the more than $1 trillion price tag. Budget experts warned that this handout would balloon the federal deficit and fuel inflation, further harming working families.
Democratic officials were quick to denounce Trump's proposal. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the plan, stating, '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.' The Democratic National Committee slammed the offer as an empty promise designed to enrich Trump and his wealthy donors, not ordinary Americans.
Economic analysts pointed out that current tariff and excise tax revenues, totaling about $210 billion for the fiscal year, fall woefully short of what would be needed, requiring years of collection to fund the payout. Chief economist Peter Schiff noted that bond markets were already reacting to the fiscal recklessness, with Treasury yields rising in response to the perceived risk.
While a few Republicans, such as Senator Bernie Moreno, signaled willingness to draft legislation for the payment, others like Senate candidate JD Vance suggested means-testing the benefit, revealing the deep divisions and lack of serious planning behind this desperate, populist stunt.