Trump promises $5,000 checks for adults if Republicans keep Congress, touts Medicare payments

President Donald Trump used a Truth Social video on Saturday to reiterate a promise to issue a $5,000 check to every adult American if Republicans retain both chambers of Congress after the November elections. The pledge follows his announcement of one-time $90 payments to about 20.8 million Medicare Part B enrollees, scheduled for distribution this month from the Medicare Improvement Fund.

The $90 payments are part of existing federal programs, as are recent $500 refunds to roughly 950,000 individuals who purchased unsubsidized coverage through the federal marketplace. A Reuters analysis noted that most of the Obamacare refunds are going to residents of 13 competitive states, though eligibility is based on insurance status, not voting behavior.

Trump has not disclosed how the $5,000 dividend would be financed or which agency would authorize it. Estimates suggest the program would cost around $1.2 trillion and would require congressional approval. Some Republican lawmakers have expressed fiscal concerns, with Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) saying he would work to block the proposal, warning it could raise interest rates. Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) described the plan as a "political bribe."

Polls show mixed public reaction. A Rasmussen Reports survey found voters split 47% to 48% on support, and only 15% said it would influence their vote. A Marquette Law School poll in Wisconsin showed 70% opposition, while an Economist/YouGov survey indicated 57% of registered voters doubted the promise could be fulfilled even if Republicans controlled Congress.

The proposal follows previous Trump-era promises of direct cash payments that were not delivered, including a proposed $5,000 "DOGE dividend" and a tariff-funded dividend that was blocked by the Supreme Court. The administration did, however, distribute a $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" to 1.5 million service members last year.