Trump Offers $5,000 to Americans if Republicans Retain Congress

President Donald Trump has pledged to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans succeed in retaining control of Congress in the November elections.

Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump described the proposed payment as a “Trump dividend” and urged voters to treat the election as though his own name were on the ballot.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” Trump said.

The president did not provide details on how the payments would be financed. A $5,000 payment to every American adult could theoretically cost more than $1 trillion. Trump only pointed to the strength of the US economy, saying “our country is making so much money.”

Trump also appealed directly to his supporters to help Republicans overcome poor polling numbers and hold on to both chambers of Congress.

“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said.

“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time,” Trump added.

The appeal comes as opinion polls show Trump’s approval ratings in the low 30s, while voters have expressed increasing frustration over high prices and the war he launched against Iran.

Decision Desk HQ currently projects a Democratic victory in the House, with a 230-205 advantage, and a 51-49 Democratic majority in the Senate in November.

Trump predicts victory in Iran war

Trump used his speech to defend the war with Iran, despite its unpopularity, and predicted that a US victory would contribute to lower oil prices.

“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” he said.

He also floated the idea of renaming the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after himself.

Continuing a theme promoted by other Republicans at the convention, Trump warned that a Democratic victory would bring communism to the United States.

“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he said.

“Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back,” Trump added.

Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a keynote address before Trump returns for the convention’s finale on Thursday. Cabinet officials, congressional leaders and candidates in closely watched House and Senate contests are also expected to take part.

At the heart of the Republican strategy is an effort to determine whether Trump can mobilise voters who remain loyal to him even when he is not personally contesting the election, while avoiding further losses among independents who have become dissatisfied with his presidency.

Republican convention showcases Trump’s agenda

There was little evidence of anxiety inside the American Airlines Center, where Republicans gathered despite the difficult political environment.

The convention included a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, whose disagreements with the left wing of his party have grown in recent months, including over Israel.

Republicans promoted tax cuts, immigration enforcement, increased manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices during the gathering.

Trump supporters filled the arena wearing merchandise featuring his name, image and the American flag, with some wearing sequined jackets and ten-gallon hats.

Merchandise vendors sold T-shirts, mugs and posters, while copies of “Under Siege,” written by Trump’s second son Eric, were also available.

The event maintained a festive atmosphere, with “USA! USA!” chants ringing through the arena after the national anthem opened proceedings.

Trump received an enthusiastic response from the crowd, with chants breaking out after several of his applause lines and continuing into the arena’s atrium.

Tracey Wroblski, a 59-year-old Dallas resident, said Trump was “on fire” with his midterm message.

“It’s awesome, it’s meaty, it’s we’re fixing our country,” she told AFP. “He’s funny, and he’s, he’s on point. We’re not going to communism. We’re staying Republican, thank you very much.”

The gathering marks the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election. Unlike a presidential convention, however, it involves no candidate nominations or formal party business.

Organisers have instead turned it into a two-night television-style rally designed to promote Trump’s record and Republican candidates.

More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, alongside more than 50 speakers or presentations each night.

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