Key facts
- Donald Trump pledged to pay every American citizen $5,000 if Republicans win the midterm elections.
- The pledge was announced during Trump's keynote address at the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas.
- No details were provided on how the pledge would be funded or payments distributed.
- Some Republicans, including Representative Thomas Massie and Senator Susan Collins, expressed criticism or skepticism.
- Legal experts believe it is unlikely Trump could approve such spending via executive order.
- Trump suggested Congress might not need to approve the spending, stating, 'I think they will do it, if we needed it.'
Donald Trump announced an extravagant pledge to pay every American citizen $5,000 if Republicans win the upcoming midterm elections. The promise was made during his keynote address at the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, about an hour into his speech. The announcement lacked specific details on how the more than one-trillion-dollar pledge would be funded or how payments would be distributed.
The White House responded by stating the announcement was proof that Trump "delivers for the American people," but provided no further specifics. While the pledge was met with applause from supporters at the convention, many Republicans in competitive races, who need to appeal to moderate voters, stayed away from the event. Several Republicans, particularly those critical of Trump's fiscal policies, denounced the announcement.
Representative Thomas Massie expressed that he was "insulted by the notion that my vote this November could be bought for 5k" and warned of potential inflation. Senator Susan Collins stated that "Tax and spending decisions should be made based on the needs of the American people and the state of the economy, they should not appear to be tied to election results." Democrats labeled the promise an "empty promise."
Legal experts have suggested that it is unlikely Trump could unilaterally approve such a vast sum through a presidential executive order. However, Trump indicated he did not believe Congress would need to approve the spending, stating, "I think they will do it, if we needed it." Nevertheless, many fiscally conservative Republican representatives are expected to oppose such spending. Former Representative Bob Good dismissed the proposal as a "socialist vote-buying scheme."
This pledge comes amid historically low approval ratings for Trump and as Republicans face challenges in the midterm elections. The story suggests the pledge might be a sign of panic due to concerns about potential defeat, particularly with affordability remaining a key issue for voters and inflation still high.