Trump offers to pay each American $5,000 if Republicans win midterm elections

US President Donald Trump has proposed offering every adult American a $5,000 payout, should his Republican party secure both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. The ambitious plan could cost over $1.3 trillion, according to the number of American adults, estimated at nearly 270 million. Trump made the announcement during a speech at his party's first-ever convention, where the proposal drew enthusiastic applause.

Details on how the $5,000 would be funded or spent have not been provided by the president. He emphasized that recipients must spend the money within the United States, adding that it would not be spent on foreign nations like Canada, China, or Germany. The feasibility of the plan has been questioned, particularly considering the current economic situation, with oil prices fluctuating due to the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

The idea of a $5,000 payout during an election year has been labeled an "empty promise" by Democrats. However, Vice-President JD Vance defended the proposal, linking it to the revenue Trump has amassed through tariffs. He stated that the plan could be possible using the funds raised by Trump's tariff program.

Former Republican strategist Robert Moran acknowledged the novelty of the proposal but noted that it is a common tactic by political parties to attempt to gain an electoral advantage. Trump's pledge to increase Americans' spending power was met with approval, with the condition that the money must be spent domestically. However, the legality and feasibility of such a payout remain uncertain, as it could potentially be seen as an attempt to influence voting behavior.