DALLAS: US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, calling the proposed payout a “Trump dividend” while urging supporters to treat him as though he were on the ballot.
Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump said voters would receive the payment if Republicans win both chambers of Congress.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump told the crowd.
Trump did not explain how the proposed Trump dividend would be funded. A nationwide payment of $5,000 to eligible American adults could cost more than $1 trillion, depending on eligibility.
The president said only that the United States was “making so much money,” without providing details on a funding mechanism or legislative plan.
Trump also sought to turn the November election into a referendum on his presidency, asking supporters to “pretend” that he was on the ballot.
“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time,” he said.
The Republican push comes as the party faces difficult political headwinds. Trump’s approval ratings have remained weak in recent polling, while voters have expressed concerns over high prices and the administration’s military campaign against Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats could take control of the House of Representatives with a 230-205 majority and hold a 51-49 advantage in the Senate.
Trump Defends Iran War and Predicts Lower Oil Prices
Trump also strongly defended the Iran war, predicting that the conflict would end in victory and arguing that oil prices would fall afterward.
“Oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran,” Trump said.
He also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz could be renamed after him, while claiming food and other prices were falling rapidly.
Trump additionally warned supporters that a Democratic victory would push the United States toward communism.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he said.
The president is scheduled to return for the convention finale on Thursday following a keynote speech by Vice President JD Vance. Cabinet officials, congressional leaders and candidates in closely contested House and Senate races are also participating.
Republicans Rally Around Trump Ahead of Midterms
Inside Dallas’s American Airlines Center, the Republican gathering showed little outward concern about the party’s electoral challenges.
Republicans promoted tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing growth and lower prescription drug prices as key achievements.
The arena was filled with Trump posters and merchandise, while supporters wore clothing featuring his name, image and the American flag.
The convention is the first Republican national gathering specifically organized around a midterm election, although it does not include candidate nominations or formal party business.
Instead, organizers have structured the event as a two-night political rally designed to promote Trump’s record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with dozens of speakers and presentations scheduled throughout the two-night event.
The central Republican strategy is whether Trump can motivate his loyal supporters to vote in an election in which he himself is not a candidate, while avoiding further alienation of independent voters.
