WASHINGTON, Sep 10 (Alliance News): 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, describing the proposed payment as a “Trump dividend.”
Addressing a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to vote for the party as Republicans seek to retain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump said, without explaining how the payments would be financed.
He said the country was generating substantial revenues but did not provide details of a plan to fund the proposed payments. The total cost of such a programme could exceed $1 trillion if broadly applied to American adults.
Trump also called on voters to treat the November election as if he himself were on the ballot, saying, “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot.”
Opinion polls have shown weak approval ratings for Trump as voters express concerns over high prices and the war with Iran. Decision Desk HQ has projected that Democrats could win the House by 230 seats to 205 and secure a 51-49 majority in the Senate.
Trump defends Iran war
Trump strongly defended the US war with Iran, predicting victory and saying that oil prices would fall once the conflict ended.
“Oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” he said, while also suggesting that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him.
The president also warned that a Democratic victory would put the United States on a path toward communism.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” Trump told the Republican gathering.
The president is scheduled to return for the convention’s finale on Thursday, following a keynote address by Vice President JD Vance.
Republican leaders and candidates in closely contested House and Senate races are also participating in the event, which is designed to rally support ahead of the November 3 election.
Republicans face political headwinds
Republicans have highlighted tax cuts, immigration enforcement, increased manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices as key achievements while seeking to energise their voter base.
The convention is the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election, although no candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is scheduled.
Instead, organisers have structured the two-night gathering largely as a televised political rally focused on Trump’s record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with more than 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.
Trump’s political strategy is centred on mobilising voters loyal to him despite his absence from the ballot, while avoiding further alienation of independent voters who have become increasingly critical of his presidency.
The proposed $5,000 “Trump dividend” adds another major economic promise to the Republican campaign as voters prepare to decide control of Congress.
