US President Donald Trump has promised to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, as he urged voters to treat the contest as though he himself were on the ballot.
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday while addressing the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, where he sought to rally support for Republican candidates amid difficult political conditions for the party.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” he told supporters.
Trump did not explain how the proposed payment would be funded. If extended to hundreds of millions of eligible adults, the programme could cost more than $1tn.
He simply argued that the United States was generating substantial revenue.
Trump also urged his supporters to view the midterm election as a referendum on his presidency, despite not being a candidate.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he said.
“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time.”
Trump Defends Iran War
The president also used the address to defend the war with Iran, despite growing public criticism of the conflict.
Trump predicted that the United States would emerge victorious and linked an eventual end to the conflict with lower oil prices.
“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,” he said.
He also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz could eventually be renamed after him.
Trump echoed Republican warnings about the Democratic Party, telling supporters that the United States could become a “communist country” if Democrats win the election.
“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 scheduled to return for the convention’s finale on Thursday, following a keynote address by Vice President JD Vance.
Cabinet officials, congressional leaders and candidates involved in closely contested House and Senate races are also expected to participate.
Republicans Face Political Headwinds
The Republican gathering comes as the party faces challenging opinion polls ahead of the November 3 elections.
Trump’s approval ratings have remained weak, with voters expressing concerns over high prices and his handling of the Iran conflict.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House of Representatives by 230 seats to 205 and take control of the Senate with a 51-49 majority.
Despite the political challenges, there was little evidence of anxiety inside the American Airlines Center, where the convention featured strong displays of support for Trump.
Republicans highlighted tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing growth and efforts to reduce prescription drug costs.
Trump supporters filled the venue wearing clothing emblazoned with his name and image, while chants of “USA! USA!” echoed through the arena.
The convention also featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has increasingly clashed with elements of his own party’s left wing, particularly over Israel.
The event is the first Republican national convention organised specifically around a midterm election. Unlike a presidential nominating convention, however, no candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is scheduled.
Instead, organisers have turned the two-night gathering into a high-profile campaign event aimed at promoting Trump’s record and Republican candidates ahead of the elections.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, alongside dozens of speakers and presentations throughout the convention.
