Fox News host Laura Ingraham pressed President Donald Trump on his campaign promise to issue $5,000 checks to every adult American if Republicans maintained control of Congress.
During an interview set to air Thursday, Ingraham asked Trump why the proposed payments could not be issued immediately, rather than contingent on a midterm election outcome. "Why not just give the money now? If you have the money, why not give it now?" she questioned.
Trump stated that the delay was because "the Democrats can't do it." He described his proposal as "so positive" and attributed potential revenue to tariffs, stating that the U.S. takes in $21 trillion, significantly more than any other country.
However, the proposed plan faces several potential obstacles. The legality of offering payments to influence voters is questionable, as noted by BBC correspondent Sarah Smith, who stated, "It is against the law to try and offer a payment to influence people on how they are going to vote."
Additionally, the cost of such a plan could reach $1.3 trillion and potentially exacerbate inflation. Such a payout would also require Congressional approval. Skeptics have raised concerns, recalling other promised payouts from the Trump administration that did not materialize.