US President Donald Trump has been accused by critics of attempting to influence voters after promising a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November 2026 midterm elections.
Trump made the promise on Wednesday during the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, saying Americans would receive what he described as a “Trump Dividend” if Republicans win both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” Trump said, describing the proposed payment as a dividend and comparing it to distributions made by corporations to their shareholders.
The president did not provide details on how the programme would be funded or implemented. The proposal could cost more than $1 trillion, depending on eligibility, and would require congressional approval before such payments could be made.
Trump said the money would have to be spent within the United States, but offered few further details about who would qualify or when payments would be made. Vice President JD Vance later suggested that wealthy Americans might be excluded from the proposed dividend and indicated that tariff revenue could be used to fund it.
The announcement immediately triggered accusations from critics who described the promise as an attempt to buy or influence votes ahead of the November election. However, the proposal itself does not mean that any payments have been approved, as Congress would have to authorise the spending.
Economic analysts have also questioned the feasibility of the proposal, noting that the potential cost would be substantial compared with the US government’s annual budget deficit. Concerns have been raised that financing the payments could increase government borrowing and add to inflationary pressures.
The announcement came as Trump sought to rally Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections, urging them to treat the contest as though he himself were on the ballot. Republicans are seeking to maintain control of Congress, while Democrats are hoping to regain ground in both chambers.
The proposed “Trump Dividend” is not the first time Trump has floated direct payments linked to his economic policies. Previous proposals for tariff-funded payments have also faced questions over their cost, legal authority and source of funding.
