US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 federal payment to every adult American should the Republican Party maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate after the November midterm elections.
Trump announced the proposal on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, as he rallied supporters to back Republican candidates in the November 3 elections.
The President referred to the proposed payment as a “dividend”, although he did not explain how the programme would be funded or the process that would be used to distribute the money to eligible Americans.
Trump said the payment would only be made if Republicans successfully retained both chambers of Congress, linking the proposed financial benefit directly to the party’s performance at the polls.
He further stated that any money received under the proposed arrangement would have to be spent within the United States, without giving details of how compliance with the condition would be enforced.
The plan would require a massive federal expenditure if implemented as announced. Estimates indicate that providing $5,000 to approximately 270 million adults could cost the government around $1.35tn.
There are also unresolved questions about the legal and administrative framework for such a payment. Vice President JD Vance was reported to have indicated that higher-income Americans might not necessarily qualify for the proposed dividend.
The announcement comes as Republicans battle to preserve their congressional majorities, with every seat in the House and roughly one-third of Senate seats up for grabs. Trump, who is not personally contesting the election, has nevertheless urged voters to approach the polls as though his name were on the ballot.