Trump promises payments to voters ahead of midterms dominated by the cost of living

Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to provide direct payments to various groups of citizens in the run-up to the November 3 midterm elections. The central issue dominating the debates is the rising cost of living, with Trump pledging US$5,000 to every adult if his Republican party maintains control of Congress.

Included in the recent payments is a cheque of around US$90 for over 20 million retirees, aimed at assisting them with their Medicare Part B premium. However, according to a KFF analysis, the payment will not reach the 35 million beneficiaries enrolled in private plans. The standard annual premium of US$2,435 is expected to rise by US$79 next year, absorbing most of the cheque.

In addition, the administration announced a US$500 payment to approximately one million individuals insured under the Obamacare programme in early October. The promise of US$5,000 per adult, made in September, is not an authorized measure and would require approval from Congress. The announcements have faced criticism for aligning with the election campaign.

The timing of these payments coincides with growing economic discontent among Americans. According to an AP-NORC poll, nearly three-quarters of Americans describe the economy as poor, and 69% disapprove of the president's handling of it. Notably, 57% of Republican voters share this dissatisfaction.

Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana cautioned that the American people should not rely on these payments, as they will not find them in their own checkbooks. The Republican party holds narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. Five election forecasting models give Democrats a 56% to 73% chance of controlling the Senate and a 76% to 99% chance of winning the House of Representatives.