Donald Trump has proposed sending Americans $5,000 checks if Republicans win the November midterm elections, drawing objections from some members of Congress. The payments would require more than $1 trillion, and Trump said he does not believe congressional approval would be necessary, although he did not explain how the money could be spent without it.
The proposal comes as the U.S. economy faces persistent inflation and rising interest rates. Economists and other political observers have raised concerns about the potential effects of additional payments on inflation and the national balance sheet, while weak consumer sentiment, rising gasoline prices related to the war with Iran and wages struggling to keep pace with inflation are adding to economic pressure.
Trump attributed the feasibility of the payments to the strength of the economy. Asked by CBS News Texas whether Congress would have to authorize them, he said, “Well, we think not. I think they will do it if we needed it. But we think not.” Under the Constitution, Congress has authority over federal spending.
Trump later denied that the $5,000 proposal was intended to increase turnout, despite initially saying the money would be distributed if Republicans won. He characterized the payments as a reward for citizens who had endured Joe Biden’s presidency.
Rep. Robert Garcia, a California Democrat participating in his party’s effort to counter the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, said the dividend would not happen. Trump previously proposed using savings from the Department of Government Efficiency and tariff revenue from foreign imports to distribute payments of $2,000 or more, but those payments were not made.