Trump Reiterates $5,000 ‘Dividend’ Pledge if Republicans Win Midterms

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his controversial pledge to provide a $5,000 “dividend” to every adult American if his Republican Party retains control of Congress following the November midterm elections.

Trump renewed the pledge on Sunday while speaking to reporters during a visit to Ireland. Asked whether Congress would need to approve the payments, Trump said the plan could be implemented if Republicans win the election, arguing that the government is collecting enough revenue to afford the payments.

The proposal has drawn skepticism and criticism from across the US political spectrum. Critics have questioned how the plan would be financed, particularly as concerns over the country’s rising national debt continue to grow. US national debt surpassed $40 trillion for the first time in August.

With roughly 240 million adult citizens in the United States, a $5,000 payment to each would cost approximately $1.2 trillion. The federal government spent about $7 trillion in fiscal year 2025, while roughly $2 trillion of that spending was financed through borrowing.

The plan was first proposed by Trump at a rally in Texas last week. Marc Goldwein of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warned that such a payment could result in a significant increase in the federal deficit and potentially add to inflationary pressures.

Democratic leaders have strongly criticized the proposal. California Governor Gavin Newsom accused Trump of attempting to “buy” voters with taxpayer money, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed the proposal as not a serious policy plan.

Some Republicans, however, have expressed support. Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno said he would prepare legislation to establish the “Trump Dividend” immediately after the November 3 election.

Any direct payment of this scale would require congressional approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged that the proposal would need to be worked out in detail before it could become law.

Trump has defended the plan by arguing that his administration is generating substantial government revenue. He also said that he keeps the promises he makes.

The proposal comes as Trump faces political challenges ahead of the midterm elections, while the US economy continues to contend with inflation, debt and the economic effects of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The Guardian report also drew on reporting from Reuters and The Associated Press.

Source: The Guardian