DALLAS: US President Donald Trump has promised $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, unveiling what he called a “Trump dividend” as his party faces a difficult midterm election.
Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump tied the proposed payment directly to a Republican victory in the November 3 elections.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” Trump told supporters.
Trump did not explain how the payments would be financed. Providing $5,000 to every adult American could cost the federal government more than $1 trillion.
The president said only that the United States was “making so much money”.
Trump Asks Supporters to Treat Midterms as His Election
Trump also urged supporters to vote in November as though his own name appeared on the ballot, seeking to mobilise the political coalition that returned him to the White House.
ALSO READ: Iran War Will End ‘Immediately’ After US Midterm Elections: Trump
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said, repeating: “I’m on the ballot.”
Republicans are trying to retain both chambers of Congress despite opinion polls showing significant political challenges. Decision Desk HQ currently projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and secure a 51-49 Senate majority.
Trump Defends Iran War
During his address, Trump also defended the ongoing US war with Iran and predicted that oil prices would fall once Washington secured victory.
“Oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran,” he said.
Trump further warned supporters that a Democratic victory would dramatically change the direction of the United States, describing the November vote as decisive for the country’s future.
The Dallas gathering is the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election. More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, alongside cabinet officials and congressional leaders.
