Trump reiterates $5,000 ‘dividend’ pledge if Republicans win midterms

Donald Trump has reiterated his controversial pledge to give US adults a $5,000 "dividend" if his Republican party retains control of Congress following the November midterm elections. The proposal has been met with incredulity and outrage across the political spectrum, with accusations of voter bribery, concerns over the US national debt surpassing $40tn, and accusations of exacerbating inflation.

Trump insisted that the pledge would be easily manageable, arguing that the Democrats could not make a similar commitment as it would lead to economic turmoil. The plan, estimated to cost over $1.2tn for the US's 240 million adult citizens, comes amid a struggling economy, low poll numbers for Trump, and a disastrous conflict in Iran.

Critics, including Democratic leaders and some Republican senators, have expressed disapproval, with some calling for immediate action to pass the so-called "Trump Dividend" legislation.