Trump Pledges $5,000 'Trump Dividend' if Republicans Win Midterms
US president urges supporters to “pretend” he is on the ballot as Republicans face difficult November elections
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday promised to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, calling the proposed payment a “Trump dividend” as he urged supporters to vote as if he himself were on the ballot.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” Trump told the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, without specifying how the payments would be financed.
A nationwide payment of $5,000 to every American adult could cost more than $1 trillion, depending on eligibility, but Trump offered no details on the proposal, saying only that “our country is making so much money.”
Seeking to energize Republican voters ahead of the Nov. 3 elections, Trump repeatedly emphasized his personal role in the contest despite not being a candidate.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told the crowd.
“I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time,” Trump added.
The appeal comes as Republicans face political headwinds, with opinion polls showing Trump's approval ratings in the low 30s amid voter concerns over high prices and his administration's war against Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House by a 230-205 margin and take control of the Senate with a 51-49 majority.
Trump defends Iran war
Trump also strongly defended the US war against Iran, predicting victory and arguing that an end to the conflict would help drive down oil prices.
“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down,” Trump said. “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 also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him, adding another personal element to his remarks about the conflict.
The president echoed Republican warnings about what he described as a growing threat from communism, telling the convention that the United States could become “a communist country” if Democrats win.
“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 members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely contested House and Senate races are also participating.
Republicans lean on Trump
The convention marks the first Republican national gathering organized specifically for a midterm election, although it is not a formal nominating convention and has no major party business on its agenda.
Instead, organizers have structured the two-night event as a large-scale political rally focused on Trump's record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with more than 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.
Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little visible sign of concern over the party's electoral prospects. Trump supporters filled the arena, where his image appeared prominently on posters, clothing and merchandise.
Republicans highlighted tax cuts, immigration enforcement, manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices as they sought to reinforce their economic and domestic-policy message.
The gathering also featured a video address from Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, who has increasingly clashed with members of his party's left wing, including over Israel.
The central Republican challenge is whether Trump can mobilize his loyal supporters despite not appearing on the ballot while avoiding further alienating independent voters who have become increasingly dissatisfied with his presidency.