US President Donald Trump promised Wednesday to give every adult American a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Addressing the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump linked the proposed cash distribution to economic gains and revenue from tariffs, describing it as a “dividend” similar to those paid by successful companies to shareholders.
“Because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” Trump said.
He said the money, which he called the “Trump Dividend,” must be spent inside the United States.
“We don’t want you going to Canada to spend the money. We don’t want you going to China, to Germany. You’ve got to spend the money in the United States of America,” he added.
Trump tied the payout directly to electoral success for his party.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” he said.
He argued that Democrats would be unable to introduce a similar scheme because of their opposition to tariffs.
Trump also highlighted his administration’s “Trump Accounts” programme, which provides $1,000 for eligible children, and praised a $6.25 billion pledge from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation to expand the scheme nationwide.
Republicans currently hold majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Voters will decide the composition of Congress in November.
