United States President Donald Trump has pledged to pay $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that Trump made the promise on Wednesday at the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, saying the payment would be funded by revenue from economic growth and tariffs.
He described the proposed payment as a dividend similar to the cash distribution made by successful companies to their shareholders.
“Because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” Trump said.
Trump said the payment would be conditional on recipients spending the money within the United States, adding that it would be known as the “Trump Dividend.”
“We don’t want you going to Canada to spend the money. We don’t want you going to China, to Germany. You’ve got to spend the money in the United States of America,” he said.
The president also linked the proposed dividend to his administration’s economic policies, particularly its use of tariffs. He argued that Democrats would not be able to introduce a similar scheme because they do not support tariffs.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” Trump said.
Trump also highlighted his administration’s Trump Accounts programme, under which the government provides $1,000 to eligible children. He praised the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation for committing $6.25 billion to the programme, saying the contribution would benefit children across the country.
Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, while Democrats are in the minority. Americans are expected to vote in November to elect members of the House of Representatives and Senate.
The proposal has since drawn questions over its cost and implementation.
