Trump to Republicans at midterms convention: "I am going to try to cheat like hell like they do"
President Trump addressed Republicans again on the second night of the GOP midterm convention, rallying support for candidates he backs in battleground states that could shift the balance of power in Congress. CBS News' Shawna Mizelle reports.
President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress during his keynote address at the Republican midterm convention on September 9, 2026. Political commentator Sam Stein and co-president of Public Citizen, Lisa Gilbert, criticized the offer as a form of bribery. However, legal scholars argue that Trump's promise does not violate federal laws against vote buying.
Federal law criminalizes offering or paying money to influence a person's vote, but Trump's offer was directed at all voters, not specific individuals. The Supreme Court's Brown v. Hartlage decision in 1982 held that political figures have the First Amendment right to discuss public issues and advocate for their election, including making statements about potential financial gains for voters.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
