What to know about Trump's pledge of $5,000 to 'every American' if GOP wins midterms

The Republican National Convention held in Dallas marked the beginning of the 2026 midterms, demonstrating an open grift reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s second term. One of his key pledges was to provide every American with $5,000 if Republicans secured control of the House and Senate, dubbed a new dividend for American voters.

However, questions arose regarding financing and the feasibility of such a policy without congressional approval. The convention served as a proxy for the Republican message in the upcoming midterm elections rather than a concrete policy roadmap if Republicans retained control of the House and Senate.

The gathering highlighted Republican candidates' apparent absence from public events and town halls, especially in battleground House districts. The GOP appears to be in hiding, hesitant to mount a defense of their leader amid growing unpopularity due to factors like high gas prices and the Iran war. Trump's declining approval ratings, reaching 33 percent in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, pose challenges for the party in power, particularly since Democrats are more energized for the midterms.

The independents who initially supported Trump are becoming disenchanted as the war in Iran continues and its impact on gas and food prices becomes more apparent.

Despite Trump's on-the-ball campaign approach, he displayed a defensive tone during his address, addressing potential criticisms regarding his tariff policy and the Iran war, while acknowledging that gas prices may not decrease until after the election. This message of patience has been controversial among Republican voters, with some willing to endure higher gas prices in support of Trump's foreign policy, while others feel let down by the president's broken promises.

The absence of many Republican candidates from the convention further underscores the party's strategic retreat and desperate need to rally their base ahead of the midterms.