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US President Donald Trump has announced a proposal to pay each adult US citizen $5,000 if the Republican Party retains control of both houses of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump made the announcement at a Republican Party meeting in Dallas, Texas, where he described the proposed payment as the “Trump dividend.”
Payment linked to the victory of the Republican elections
Addressing party supporters, Trump said Americans would benefit financially if Republicans maintained majorities in the US Senate and House of Representatives.
He said the proposed payment would reward citizens for what he described as the success of his administration’s economic policies.
Trump likened the idea to a profit-sharing agreement in which citizens would receive a share of the nation’s economic gains.
The proposal could cost more than $1 trillion
A nationwide payment of $5,000 to every adult American citizen would pose a significant financial commitment.
With more than 245 million adults in the United States, the estimated cost could exceed $1 trillion, according to calculations based on the adult population.
The amount would be comparable to the size of the country’s annual defense spending, raising questions about whether such a proposal could win congressional approval.
Similar ideas for direct payments have already been proposed
The concept of sending direct payments to Americans is not new.
Trump had previously proposed a $2,000 payment plan, with the funds expected to come from revenue generated through US tariffs.
That proposal included restrictions that would exclude higher income earners from receiving payments.
Midterm elections could determine control of Congress
American voters will elect members of Congress during the November midterm elections.
The election will determine the future balance of power in Washington, with all seats in the House of Representatives and about a third of Senate seats contested.
Historically, the party that controls the White House often loses seats in Congress during midterm elections.
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority, particularly in the House, making control of Congress a major political battle.
Trump links payments to economic performance
Trump defended the proposed dividend by pointing to what he described as strong economic results under Republican leadership.
He said the payment would encourage Americans to benefit directly from economic growth and added that recipients would be expected to spend the money within the United States.
The proposal is expected to spark a debate on public spending, economic policy and the role of direct payments in supporting citizens.
