US President Donald Trump has promised to give every adult American $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas, describing the proposed payment as a “Trump Dividend.”
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000,” Trump said.
He compared the proposed payments to distributions made by companies to their shareholders, arguing that the money would reflect what he described as the country’s economic strength and success.
Trump added that the payment would come with one condition, saying recipients would have to spend the money in the United States.
The proposal has immediately raised questions about its cost, funding and congressional approval.
There are roughly 240 million adult US citizens, meaning a $5,000 payment to each person could cost about $1.2 trillion. Reuters reported that current US tariff collections are nowhere near enough to finance such a programme on their own.
Vice President JD Vance later appeared to qualify Trump’s announcement, suggesting that wealthier Americans might not receive the payment and pointing to tariff revenue as a possible source of funding. However, the available tariff revenue remains far below the amount required for a universal $5,000 payment.
The proposal would also require congressional action because the President does not have independent authority to appropriate federal money for such payments. Congress controls federal spending under the US Constitution.
Economists and lawmakers have raised concerns that borrowing to finance the payments could further increase the federal deficit and potentially add to inflationary pressures.
The US federal deficit is already approaching $1.8 trillion annually, while national debt recently surpassed $40 trillion.
The proposed payment also comes as Republicans prepare for the November 3, 2026 midterm elections, in which they are fighting to maintain their majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.
Trump, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third presidential term, has nevertheless placed himself at the centre of the Republican midterm campaign. His proposed dividend is being presented as part of his effort to energise Republican voters ahead of the elections.
For now, the $5,000 Trump Dividend remains a political proposal rather than an approved government payment. No legislation establishing the programme or detailed mechanism for distributing the money has been announced.
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