'Shadow surge' pushes immigration arrests to highs as Trump administration shifts tactics

President Donald Trump is promoting a $5,000 dividend pledge for American adults, but Republican candidates for Congress are largely ignoring it. At a North Carolina rally, Trump reiterated the promise, stating "If we win, we're going to get you $5,000. So that's it. Very simple." However, Republican candidates at the rally showed no interest in discussing the proposal.

The Republican National Committee considers the $5,000 payments part of Trump's economic vision, urging candidates to support it. Despite this, few Republican candidates have incorporated the pledge into their campaign materials or speeches. The RNC spokesperson, Natalie Baldassarre, said candidates should align with Trump's agenda, which includes giving more money to American people.

However, some Republicans, like Rep. Derrick Van Orden from Wisconsin, have expressed support for the proposal. The $5,000 pledge comes as the U.S. grapples with rising interest rates, inflation, and gas prices. While Trump previously promised to use savings from the Department of Government Efficiency and import tariffs to fund the payments, which could cost over $1 trillion, there is no indication this will occur.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated that approval from Congress would be necessary for the plan. Democrats are skeptical about the $5,000 pledge, labeling it a "recycled broken promise" that voters know Republicans will never deliver. Republican campaign ads have focused more on tax cuts, like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which temporarily lowers taxes on tips and overtime, as well as local issues and attacking their opponents.

A Republican strategist and former RNC communications director, Doug Heye, dismissed the pledge as a "dumb idea," stating there is no way to pay for it and it would likely increase inflation.