US President Donald Trump has promised to pay a $5,000 federal “dividend” to every adult American if Republicans maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November midterm elections.
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, where he urged voters to keep the party in control of both chambers of Congress.
Addressing the gathering, Trump said the proposed payment would go to every adult citizen if Republicans emerged victorious in the elections.
The president described the proposed $5,000 payment as a “dividend” but did not explain how the programme would be financed, when payments would begin or what mechanism the federal government would use to distribute the money.
Trump attributed the proposal to what he described as the country’s strong economic performance under his administration.
He also said recipients would be required to spend the money within the United States, potentially directing billions of dollars into the domestic economy.
The pledge comes as Republicans prepare for a closely watched midterm contest that will determine control of both chambers of Congress and could shape the direction of Trump’s remaining time in office.
