US$5,000 ‘dividend,’ immigration warnings and an uncertain US midterm: Trump’s final plea to his MAGA base to avoid impeachment

President Donald Trump urged Republicans to "pretend" he was on the ballot in the US midterm elections, promising a US$5,000 "dividend" for every American citizen if they retain control of Congress. He reiterated his intention to avoid impeachment, despite mounting criticism over the Iran war and the cost of living. Trump's comments about his own health and the viability of Republican chances in the November 3 vote were met with skepticism, as Republicans defend their 53-47 majority in the Senate while Democrats seek to capture at least one chamber of Congress.

Both Kansas and Iowa, which Trump won easily in 2024, have emerged as battlegrounds for Republicans, with Republican Senator Roger Marshall facing a competitive challenge in Kansas and Republican congresswoman Ashley Hinson battling Democrat Josh Turek in Iowa. A record 47.9 million Americans have already cast their ballots in the midterms, with participation rising in key battleground states where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans.