President Donald Trump has promised to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, making the extraordinary pledge as he urged his supporters to rally behind the party as though he were personally on the ballot.
Speaking at the Republican National Midterm Convention in Dallas on Wednesday, Trump told supporters that a Republican victory would come with what he described as a “Trump dividend.”
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” he said.
Trump did not explain how such a payment would be financed. With potentially hundreds of millions of eligible adults, the proposal could cost more than $1 trillion. He offered only a broad explanation, saying that “our country is making so much money.”
Trump Urges Supporters to Treat Him as Being on the Ballot
With Republicans facing challenging polling numbers ahead of the November 3 election, Trump doubled down on his effort to mobilize his political base.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told the convention.
“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time,” Trump added as he sought to connect his political standing directly to the midterm contest.
Opinion polls have generally placed Trump’s approval rating in the low 30s, amid voter concerns over rising costs and the war involving Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects that Democrats could win the House by a 230-205 margin, while the Senate could end the election with Democrats holding a 51-49 advantage.
Trump Defends Iran War and Predicts Lower Oil Prices
Trump also used his speech to strongly defend the war with Iran, despite its unpopularity among voters.
He predicted that the conflict would end in victory and argued that oil prices would decline afterward. Trump also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz could eventually be renamed after him.
“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,” Trump said.
The president also echoed Republican warnings about the Democratic Party, portraying a potential Democratic victory as a threat to the country’s political system.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he said.
Trump further emphasized the importance of the upcoming election, telling supporters:
“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,” he said.
Trump is expected to return for the convention’s finale on Thursday, following a keynote speech by Vice President JD Vance.
Cabinet officials, congressional leaders and candidates involved in closely contested House and Senate races are also scheduled to appear during the event.
Republicans Rely on Trump to Energize Midterm Voters
A major question for Republicans is whether Trump can successfully mobilize voters who remain personally loyal to him, even though he is not running for office in November.
At the same time, Republicans face the challenge of appealing to independent voters who have become increasingly dissatisfied with his presidency.
Inside the American Airlines Center, however, there were few visible signs of concern about the upcoming election.
The convention included a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has increasingly clashed with the progressive wing of his party on several issues, including Israel.
Republicans used the gathering to promote their policy agenda, highlighting tax cuts, immigration enforcement, increased manufacturing and efforts to reduce prescription drug costs.
Trump Supporters Bring Campaign Energy to Dallas
The arena was decorated with Trump posters as enthusiastic supporters moved through the venue wearing sequined jackets featuring his name, likeness and the American flag. Some attendees also wore traditional ten-gallon hats.
Food vendors sold snacks while merchandise stands attracted buyers looking for T-shirts, mugs, posters and other Trump-related products. Among the offerings was “Under Siege,” the latest book from
