President Donald Trump has pledged to give USD 5,000 to every adult American citizen if the Republican Party maintains control of Congress after the upcoming midterm elections. This promise, conditioned on the money being spent in the US and estimated to cost USD 1.3 trillion, has drawn criticism, with some denouncing it as a ploy or an attempt to buy votes.

When questioned by an ABC News reporter on 11/9 about the incentive, especially given the US's USD 40 trillion debt, Trump dismissed the notion that the payment aimed to encourage voting. The exchange occurred as he prepared to return to Washington after the Republican National Convention in Dallas.

President Donald Trump in Washington on 11/9. Photo: AFP

Instead, President Trump asserted the payment was a "dividend" people deserved from economic growth. He stated, "This money is a reward for those who have endured four to five years of terrible circumstances caused by Joe Biden." The US leader highlighted what he described as "issues in the economic and immigration policies" of the Biden administration. Trump emphasized, "People have suffered terrible things that Biden has done to the country. Beyond the economy, consider the border and the crime problem; we now have these issues under control. But it was a long time."

President Trump stated that the proposed USD 5,000 payment per adult would be financed by "tremendous growth." He explained, "We are growing at a rate no country has ever seen. Trillions of US dollars are flowing into the US, and ultimately it won't be a big deal." On 10/9, the White House released a statement suggesting the funds could originate from private sector investment commitments the Trump administration had received from businesses. It remains unclear, however, how these unmaterialized investments would be converted into "dividend" payments for Americans.

The plan has faced significant opposition from lawmakers. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer posted on social media, "Trump's presidency has been so chaotic and unsuccessful that he has to try to buy people's votes." Democratic Representative Ted Lieu quipped, "If Democrats take back the House and Senate, people will receive USD 10,000, a pony, and free ice cream for life." Republican Representative Thomas Massie expressed concern that the payments would fuel inflation, accusing President Trump of attempting to buy votes. He posted on X, "Frankly, I am offended by the idea that my vote could be bought for USD 5,000."

Trump on stage at the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Texas on 10/9. Photo: AFP

The US midterm elections are scheduled for 3/11 and are widely seen as a referendum on the Trump administration. Decision Desk HQ, an organization specializing in US election data analysis and forecasting, predicts Democrats will gain control of the House with a 230-205 seat margin and the Senate with a 51-49 split. This would mean President Trump's Republican Party would lose control of both chambers. Recent polls show Trump's approval rating has dropped below 30%.

Huyen Le (According to ABC News, AFP)