President Donald Trump has promised Americans $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, describing the proposed payment as a “Trump dividend.”
Trump made the pledge while addressing a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, as his party faces challenging poll numbers ahead of the November 3 elections.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump told supporters, although he did not explain how the government would finance the proposed payments. Such a programme could cost more than $1 trillion if every eligible adult received the full amount.
Trump argued that the country was generating enough money to support his proposal and urged voters to treat the election as though he himself were on the ballot.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said, repeating the message as he sought to rally Republican voters behind his party.
The Republican Party is facing significant political pressure ahead of the midterms, with Trump’s approval ratings reported to be in the low 30s. Rising living costs and growing criticism over the war with Iran have also created difficulties for the administration.
Decision Desk HQ currently projects Democrats to take control of the House with a 230 to 205 majority, while the Senate is projected to end with Democrats holding a 51 to 49 advantage.
Trump also used his address to strongly defend the war with Iran, insisting that the United States would emerge victorious and arguing that oil prices would fall once the conflict ends.
“Oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran,” Trump said, while also claiming that food prices and other costs were already falling.
He further suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz could eventually be renamed after him.
Trump also echoed Republican warnings about the possibility of communism taking hold in the United States if Democrats win the elections.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he told the crowd, urging supporters to see their votes as crucial to determining the country’s future.
The president is expected to return for the final night of the convention on Thursday, following a keynote speech by Vice President JD Vance. Cabinet officials, congressional leaders and candidates involved in closely watched House and Senate races are also scheduled to appear.
At the heart of the Republican strategy is whether Trump can motivate voters who remain strongly loyal to him, even though he is not personally contesting the election, without pushing away independent voters who have become less supportive of his presidency.
Despite the difficult political environment, the atmosphere inside the American Airlines Center remained largely celebratory.
Republicans promoted their record on tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing and prescription drug prices, while Trump supporters filled the arena wearing merchandise featuring his name, image and the American flag.
The convention also featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, whose disagreements with some members of his party’s progressive wing have increasingly drawn attention, particularly over issues involving Israel.
The gathering marks the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election. Unlike a presidential convention, it is not being used to nominate candidates or conduct formal party business.
Instead, organisers have turned the two night event into a large political rally focused on Trump’s record and Republican candidates preparing for the November elections.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with more than 50 speakers and presentations scheduled across each night of the convention.
For many attendees, however, the event has remained firmly centred on Trump. Supporters repeatedly chanted “USA! USA!” as the programme got underway, while the president’s appearance drew enthusiastic reactions from the crowd.
Dallas resident Tracey Wroblski, 59, described Trump’s performance as inspiring and praised his message to Republican voters.
The Republican gathering comes at a critical moment for the party, with November’s election expected to determine whether Trump’s political influence can translate into continued Republican control of Congress.
