Mark Kelly Says Trump Is 'Trying to Buy Votes' With $5,000 Checks
The Democratic senator said Trump's proposal is an attempt to "buy votes" ahead of the midterms so that Republicans can win.
Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, claimed on CBS News Face the Nation that President Donald Trump is attempting to secure votes by proposing to send $5,000 checks to every American adult if Republicans maintain control of Congress after the 2026 midterms. Kelly, known for his criticism of Trump, stated that while assistance for seniors and working-class Americans is crucial, the $5,000 proposal should be viewed with skepticism.
The president initially introduced the $5,000 payment, now referred to as the "Trump Dividend," during the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in September and reiterated the pledge on Saturday. Critics argue that the proposal could cost over $1 trillion and would require congressional approval. Trump has not disclosed a funding mechanism or legislative path for implementing the payments.
Meanwhile, other direct-payment programs by the administration have raised accusations that the White House is using cash incentives to boost support ahead of the midterms. Kelly emphasized that Trump's tax cuts for the wealthy and healthcare rollbacks contribute to the financial strain he claims to be addressing with these payments.
He emphasized that the timing and political conditions attached to the offer raise concerns, warning that the proposal is nothing more than a "payoff" and an attempt to buy votes.
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