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US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, calling the proposed benefit the “Trump dividend”.
Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump linked the payment directly to a Republican victory and urged supporters to treat the election as if he were personally contesting it.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” he told the gathering.
Trump did not provide details on how the proposed payment would be funded, though such a programme could cost more than $1 trillion if approved. He only said the country was generating significant revenue.
“Our country is making so much money,” Trump said while defending the proposal.
The president also encouraged supporters to transfer their loyalty to Republican candidates by presenting the election as a continuation of his own political campaign.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said. “I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time.”
The pledge comes as Republicans face difficult polling numbers ahead of the November vote. Trump’s approval ratings remain low, with voters expressing frustration over rising prices and the administration’s handling of the war with Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats could win control of the House of Representatives with a 230-205 majority, while the Senate could finish with a 51-49 Democratic advantage.
During his address, Trump also defended the US military campaign against Iran, predicting victory while linking the outcome of the conflict to lower energy costs.
“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” he said.
Trump further suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him, adding another personal touch to his remarks. He also warned that a Democratic victory would push the United States towards communism.
The Dallas convention, the first Republican national convention specifically organised for a midterm election, was designed to promote Trump’s record and support candidates competing for congressional seats.
More than 100 lawmakers and candidates were expected, with dozens of speakers scheduled across the two-day gathering.
The central question for Republicans remains whether Trump can mobilise his core supporters for candidates without further losing support among independent voters who have become critical of his presidency.
