Top Republicans didn’t expect Trump’s dividends. Now they’re scrambling.
As they gathered in Dallas, GOP lawmakers wavered from full-on embrace to full-on avoidance of the president’s promise of $5,000 checks to Americans.
Top Republican lawmakers were caught off guard by President Donald Trump's announcement of a $5,000 "dividend" for every adult American. Now, they are struggling to figure out how to respond to the proposal, which they say is impossible to deliver. GOP leaders have previously pushed back on similar claims from Trump in the past year.
Some Republicans fear the idea could be seen as desperate and may distract from their tax cuts package that has been criticized for its impact on the economy. Democrats quickly criticized Trump's move, calling it a tactic to distract from unpopular policies. As Republicans gather for their midterm convention, there is a growing divide over the proposal, with the White House and Trump's campaign touting it while GOP campaign arms are not.
Some Republicans are willing to consider the idea, but fiscal hawks are eager for more information on how it would be paid for.
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