US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in November’s midterm elections.
Trump announced the plan on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas. However, he offered no detailed funding or implementation mechanism.
The United States has about 270 million adults. Paying each of them $5,000 would cost approximately $1.35 trillion. Such a programme would likely require congressional approval.
Vice President JD Vance later indicated that wealthy Americans might not qualify. He also suggested that tariff revenue could help finance the payments.
Trump said recipients would have to spend the money inside the United States. He presented the proposal as a dividend from what he described as America’s strong economic performance.
Trump puts himself at centre of midterm campaign
Trump spoke for one hour and 45 minutes, claiming he had completed “the greatest two years in the history of the presidency.”
“We hand America’s future to the radical left Democrats, and our nation will spend the next decade just getting back on its feet,” Trump said. “Vote Republicans, and we will leave the world in our dust for generations to come.”
He also urged voters to treat the November 3 congressional elections as a referendum on his presidency.
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“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said.
The two-day convention highlights how closely Republican electoral prospects remain tied to Trump. Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally called the event “Trumpapalooza.”
Trump promised multiple visits to battleground states during the eight weeks before Election Day. However, some vulnerable Republicans skipped the convention, including Representatives Tom Barrett, Senator Dan Sullivan and Senator Susan Collins.
At least 16 candidates involved in competitive congressional races were scheduled to speak. They included Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Ohio Senator Jon Husted.
Trump claimed the 21,000-seat arena was packed, although several upper sections remained largely empty during his address.
Iran war and living costs shadow convention
Republican speakers repeatedly portrayed Democrats as “socialists” and “communists.” Senator Tim Scott called them “dangerous, radical and weird.”
However, voters have expressed greater concern about the cost of living and the Iran war. Trump defended the decision to attack Tehran, saying the action aimed to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The conflict has continued for more than six months, while Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. Analysts also say its nuclear programme has not been eliminated.
Trump predicted the conflict would end shortly after the elections.
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“I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any longer. They’re desperate to try and affect the election,” he told reporters.
He also said oil prices would decline after the war ended.
The convention featured a surprise recorded appearance by Democratic Senator John Fetterman. He introduced Republican Senator Dave McCormick as his “great friend” and pledged cooperation with Trump to protect Pennsylvania’s steel industry.
Republicans risk losing at least one chamber of Congress as Trump’s approval ratings fall and Democratic voter enthusiasm increases.
