California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday derided President Donald Trump's pledge to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of Congress, labeling the proposal "bulls—" and a "desperate" attempt to cling to power.
"It's sort of pathetic and sad at the same time," Newsom told reporters at a press conference. "Pathetic, because it's just bulls—, and sad that he had to go in front of people and basically bribe them. I mean, that's how desperate he is to hold on to power."
Newsom accused the president of attempting to bribe voters with a promise that could cost the federal government over $1.2 trillion and would require congressional approval. The governor suggested Trump understood his presidency could be significantly impacted if Democrats win either the House or Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
"He knows his presidency is de facto over as we know it this November," Newsom said. "He's going to do everything he can to rig the election. In the absence of that, he wanted to buy everybody off."
Trump announced the proposed "Trump Dividend" on Wednesday during a speech at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Dallas. He stated that every adult citizen would receive $5,000 if voters keep both chambers of Congress under Republican control in the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Trump added that recipients would be required to spend the money on American-made goods and services.
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Trump and Vice President JD Vance have suggested that tariff revenue and savings from federal spending cuts could fund the direct payments. However, no legislation authorizing the dividends has been introduced, and the administration has not released a detailed funding plan. The proposal reportedly surprised Republican leaders on Capitol Hill, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune stating he had not been briefed prior to the announcement. Budget hawks also expressed concerns that the payments could further increase the national debt, which has already surpassed $40 trillion.
The White House responded to Newsom's remarks by dismissing "doomers and naysayers." White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated, "President Trump has consistently proven his doubters wrong, drawing a clear contrast with the Democrats' record of historic inflation, unfettered illegal immigration, skyrocketing crime, and weakness on the world stage. With the continued support of the American people, President Trump will keep delivering real results."
Newsom framed the midterms as a referendum on democratic institutions, predicting that Americans would "turn out in record numbers" in November. "He's not serious," Newsom said of Trump's proposal. "But I think the American people are."