Trump promises $5,000 to every US adult if Republicans win midterms

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he would offer every American adult a $5,000 payment if his Republican party secures control of the House and Senate during the upcoming midterm elections. This unprecedented offer aims to boost the party's fortunes in the November elections, but it comes with significant financial implications and potential drawbacks.

The proposal, which would cost more than $1 trillion, would require congressional approval and would likely exacerbate the country's annual budget deficit of nearly $1.8 trillion. It would also raise concerns about inflation. Trump, during the GOP's midterm convention in Dallas, referred to the payments as the "Trump Dividend," likening them to a corporation's distribution to shareholders.

Vice President JD Vance quickly attempted to temper the proposal, suggesting that the dividend payments would not benefit the wealthy. Vance mentioned that the payments could be funded by U.S. tariff revenues. However, the suggestion of such a large payment dwarfs the revenue generated by the protectionist measures.