Trump promises $5,000 dividend to Americans ahead of midterm elections
US President Donald Trump has promised to pay every American adult a $5,000 “Trump dividend” if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the November midterm elections.
Trump announced the proposal on Wednesday, September 9, during the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention, in what appeared to be an effort to rally voters behind his party. However, questions remain over how the proposed payments would be financed and whether such a programme would be legally possible.
With roughly 270 million adults in the United States, the initiative could cost the government about $1.35 trillion.
During a prime-time speech lasting approximately one hour and 45 minutes, Trump portrayed his administration’s record as historic, claiming to have delivered what he described as the greatest two years in presidential history.
His address placed him firmly at the centre of the midterm campaign, despite polling indicating that his popularity has declined significantly. Republicans are also facing voter concerns over the rising cost of living and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Trump warned voters that a Republican defeat would hand the country to what he called the “radical left,” urging Americans to support Republican candidates to preserve his administration’s agenda.
The two-day convention in Dallas is expected to highlight the Republican Party’s strategy ahead of the November 3 elections. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, while Trump will return on Thursday to give the closing speech.
The gathering has been heavily focused on the President, prompting Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters to jokingly describe it as “Trumpapalooza.”
### Republicans Face Midterm Challenges
The Republican Party’s decision to place Trump at the heart of the convention reflects a calculated attempt to mobilise the voters who helped return him to the White House. However, his declining approval ratings have raised concerns about whether that strategy can attract undecided and moderate voters.
Trump said he plans to campaign extensively in battleground states and districts during the eight weeks leading up to Election Day. He urged Republican supporters to treat the election as though he himself were on the ballot.
The strategy has created a dilemma for Republican lawmakers in competitive races. Some candidates may benefit from distancing themselves from Trump to attract moderate voters, while simultaneously needing the support of his loyal political base.
Several prominent Republicans facing tough contests, including Representative Tom Barrett of Michigan, Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, did not attend the convention.
Others participated, with at least 16 candidates involved in competitive House and Senate races scheduled to address the gathering. Among those appearing Wednesday were Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Ohio Senator Jon Husted.
Although Trump described the 21,000-seat venue as full, large portions of the upper seating areas appeared largely empty during his speech.
### Democrats Targeted at Republican Gathering
While Republican leaders had promoted the convention as an opportunity to highlight Trump’s policies, many speakers instead concentrated on criticising Democrats on issues such as border security and transgender participation in sports.
Speakers repeatedly portrayed Democrats as “socialists” and “communists,” reinforcing rhetoric Trump has frequently used to attack the Democratic Party and its left-wing factions.
By comparison, major concerns among voters, particularly the cost of living and the war involving Iran, received less attention.
Some Republican voters at the event expressed a desire for greater clarity about the conflict with Iran, including how long it might continue and what the administration ultimately hopes to achieve.
Trump defended US military action against Tehran, arguing that it was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He also predicted that oil prices would fall once the conflict was won.
However, the war has continued for more than six months since the United States and Israel began military strikes against Iran, while analysts have questioned whether Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been fully neutralised. Tehran has consistently denied seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.
### Democrats Face Internal Divisions
The convention also featured an unexpected recorded appearance by Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who praised Republican Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick as a close friend and expressed support for working with Trump to protect the state’s steel industry.
Fetterman’s participation highlighted divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly his growing disagreements with members of its progressive wing. He has rejected speculation that he could eventually leave the Democratic Party.
With the midterm elections approaching, both parties face significant political stakes. Republicans risk losing control of at least one chamber of Congress, while polling suggests Democratic voters are currently more motivated to participate.
For Republicans, the Dallas convention represents an opportunity to promote their candidates, reinforce their differences with Democrats and energise a voter base that has shown less enthusiasm about the upcoming elections.