President Donald Trump has promised every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, calling the proposed payment a “Trump dividend.”
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday at the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas, Texas, as Republicans face difficult polling numbers ahead of 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 did not explain how the payments would be funded. The theoretical cost could exceed $1 trillion, while the president offered only that “our country is making so much money.”
Trump also urged supporters to treat the election as though he himself were on the ballot, seeking to turn his personal political support into votes for Republican candidates.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot.”
He repeated the message to the crowd, saying:
“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time.”
Trump is seeking to help Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress despite challenging political conditions.
Opinion polls cited in the report show his approval ratings in the low 30s, with voters increasingly concerned about high prices and the war launched against Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House by 230 seats to 205 and take control of the Senate with a 51-49 majority in November.
Trump Defends Iran War
Trump strongly defended the war with Iran, predicting victory while linking the conflict to lower oil prices.
“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way, oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,”
He also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him.
Trump echoed other Republicans at the convention by warning that a Democratic victory would bring communism to the United States.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,”
He told supporters that their votes would determine the country’s direction for the next 250 years.
“Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back,”
Trump is scheduled to return for the convention finale on Thursday, following a keynote address by Vice President JD Vance.
Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely contested House and Senate races are also scheduled to appear.
The Republican strategy centres on whether Trump can mobilise voters who remain personally loyal to him even though he is not a candidate, without further alienating independent voters who have become dissatisfied with his presidency.
Republicans Project Confidence Despite Headwinds
Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little visible sign of Republican concern about the November elections.
The convention featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has increasingly clashed with the left wing of his party over issues including Israel.
Republicans used the gathering to highlight tax cuts and immigration enforcement, while promoting increased manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices.
The arena was covered with Trump posters as supporters moved through the venue wearing sequined jackets bearing his name, image and the American flag. Some also wore ten-gallon hats.
Food stalls sold snacks while merchandise stands recorded brisk sales of T-shirts, mugs, posters and copies of Under Siege, the latest book from Trump’s second son, Eric.
Despite the political challenges facing the party, the atmosphere remained festive.
Chants of “USA! USA!” echoed through the arena as the national anthem opened the programme, while Trump’s speech was met with enthusiastic applause and repeated chants from supporters.
Dallas resident Tracey Wroblski, 59, described Trump as “on fire” and praised his midterm message.
“It’s awesome, it’s meaty, it’s we’re fixing our country,” she told AFP. “He’s funny, and he’s, he’s on point. We’re not going to communism. We’re staying Republican, thank you very much.”
The gathering is the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election. No candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is scheduled.
Instead, organisers have turned the two-night event into a television-style rally focused on Trump’s record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with more than 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.
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