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US President Donald Trump has promised to give every adult American a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control in the upcoming congressional midterm elections.
Trump made the pledge on Wednesday while addressing the Republican convention in Dallas, Texas, where he linked the proposed payment to economic growth and revenue generated through tariffs.
Describing the proposed payout as a dividend, the president compared it to the kind of distribution companies make to shareholders when they record strong financial performance.
“Because of our tremendous strength and success economically, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000,” Trump said.
Trump said recipients would be expected to spend the money within the United States rather than use it to purchase goods or services abroad.
“We don’t want you going to Canada to spend the money. We don’t want you going to China, to Germany. You’ve got to spend the money in the United States of America,” he said.
He said the proposed payment would be known as the “Trump Dividend” and tied its implementation to a Republican victory in the midterm elections.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” Trump said.
The president attributed the proposal to what he described as economic gains under his administration, arguing that Democrats would not be able to introduce a similar programme because they oppose tariffs.
Trump also highlighted his administration’s “Trump Accounts” programme, through which the government provides $1,000 for eligible children.
He praised the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation for pledging $6.25 billion to the programme, saying the funding would expand its benefits to children across the country.
Republicans currently control both chambers of Congress, while Democrats remain in the minority. Americans are expected to vote in November to elect members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
