UNITED STATES: President Donald Trump has pledged to pay every American adult a $5,000 “Trump dividend” if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, making the extraordinary proposal a central feature of his campaign message as his party faces growing voter concerns over inflation, the cost of living and the war with Iran.
Trump announced the proposal Wednesday at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, urging voters to support Republican candidates in the November 3 elections. With roughly 270 million adults in the United States, the proposed payments could cost about $1.35 trillion, although Trump did not provide details on how the plan would be funded or implemented.
The president made the announcement during a lengthy address in which he sought to place himself at the center of the midterm campaign. Trump warned voters that a Democratic victory would damage the US economy and urged them to keep Republicans in control of Congress.
What could Trump’s $5,000 payment mean for the US midterm elections?
The proposed payment comes as Republicans attempt to mobilize their voter base ahead of the November 3 elections, while opinion polls show growing concerns over Trump’s approval ratings and the rising cost of living.
Trump told supporters to treat the election as though he himself were on the ballot and pledged to campaign extensively in competitive states and congressional districts during the final weeks before Election Day.
The Republican convention has highlighted the party’s reliance on Trump as candidates prepare for closely contested House and Senate races. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers facing difficult races have sought to keep their distance from the president, reflecting concerns that his declining popularity could hurt their chances among swing voters.
Several Republicans, including candidates facing strong Democratic challengers, skipped the Dallas convention. Others used the event to reinforce their support for Trump’s agenda and appeal directly to his political base.
Trump’s proposed dividend is also likely to face questions over its legality, funding and economic impact. No detailed mechanism for distributing the payments was immediately provided.
Why is the Iran war becoming a major issue before the midterms?
Trump also used his appearance to defend the US military campaign against Iran and predicted that the war would end “immediately after” the November midterm elections.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for Dallas, Trump said Iran was attempting to influence the US election but would not be able to withstand continued US economic pressure.
The president has repeatedly defended US military action against Tehran, saying it was necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran has denied seeking a nuclear weapon.
The war has nevertheless become a growing political issue for Republicans as voters question its duration, objectives and economic consequences. Rising energy prices and inflation have added to concerns about the impact of the conflict on American households.
At the Republican convention, party speakers largely focused on attacking Democrats over immigration, transgender rights and other cultural issues, while the economy and Iran war received comparatively less attention.
Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress in an election that could reshape Trump’s ability to advance his domestic and foreign policy agenda. Democrats are campaigning on economic pressures and voter dissatisfaction, while Trump is attempting to turn the midterms into a referendum on his presidency.
With less than two months remaining before Election Day, the proposed $5,000 Trump dividend, the Iran war and the cost of living are emerging as key issues in an increasingly high-stakes US midterm campaign.