Trump Pushes $5,000 “Dividend” Pledge as Republican Candidates Remain Cautious

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has renewed his pledge to provide $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections, but many Republican candidates have so far avoided making the proposal a central part of their campaigns.

Trump reiterated the promise during a rally in North Carolina, telling supporters that they would receive $5,000 if Republicans win. He initially unveiled the proposal, which he called the “Trump Dividend,” at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas earlier this month.

The Associated Press reported that the proposal has not become a prominent feature of television advertising or campaign messaging among Republicans in competitive races. Most candidates have avoided directly endorsing or discussing the plan when questioned, although some Republicans, including Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden, have expressed support for it.

The proposed payments could cost more than $1 trillion, according to estimates cited by AP. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that congressional approval would be required to authorize such payments, despite Trump previously indicating that he did not believe Congress would need to approve the plan.

The proposal has also prompted debate over how it would be financed. Trump has pointed to tariff revenues and other government resources, while administration officials have discussed additional potential sources of funding. The scale of the proposed payments, however, has raised questions about their impact on the federal budget and inflation.

Republican campaign messaging has largely remained focused on other economic measures, including provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tax reductions on tips and overtime, as well as local issues and attacks on political opponents.