Trump’s first term had real stimulus checks. His second has promised ones tied to problems he started
The $5,000 pledge follows a DOGE dividend that failed and a tariff rebate that never arrived, both stemming from policies Trump created himself.
President Donald Trump's first term provided stimulus checks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which he did not cause. His second term, however, has featured cash promises tied to problems his policies created and could potentially impact the upcoming election. At the GOP's midterm convention, Trump pledged $5,000 to every American if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate, calling it the "Trump Dividend."
The plan would cost over $1 trillion and is tied to an election outcome instead of an economic one. While Vice President JD Vance suggested that the money would not go to wealthy Americans, a lawyer told the Associated Press that the plan is likely legal, as it would pay everyone regardless of their voting behavior. Trump's promise to send checks mirrors earlier proposals from his first term, such as the CARES Act stimulus checks in 2020, and the "DOGE" dividend and tariff rebate proposals that have faced various challenges or logistical issues.
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