Key facts
- Donald Trump reiterated his pledge to give US adults a $5,000 dividend if Republicans win control of Congress.
- The plan would cost an estimated $1.2 trillion, based on roughly 240 million adult citizens.
- Trump stated the US can handle the cost because "we're taking in so much money."
- Marc Goldwein of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warned of a "huge spike in the deficit, and almost certainly in the inflation rate."
- California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the plan as "taxpayer-funded blood money."
- US Senator Bernie Moreno expressed support for the pledge and vowed to prepare a bill.
Donald Trump on Sunday reiterated his pledge to give US adults a $5,000 "dividend" if Republicans retain control of Congress following the November midterm elections. The proposal, which Trump claims the US can easily afford due to high revenue, has been met with widespread incredulity and accusations of attempting to bribe voters.
The plan's estimated cost of $1.2 trillion, based on approximately 240 million adult citizens, comes amid significant concerns over the US national debt, which surpassed $40 trillion in August. Marc Goldwein of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warned that such a plan would likely cause a substantial increase in the deficit and inflation rate.
Democratic leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have condemned the pledge. Newsom called it "taxpayer-funded blood money" and accused Trump of attempting to buy votes. However, some Republicans have voiced support, with US Senator Bernie Moreno stating his intention to prepare a bill for the "Trump Dividend" immediately after the election.