Former President Donald Trump has pledged to issue a $5,000 "dividend" to every adult American if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. The announcement came during his address at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas on Wednesday evening. "If Republicans win the United States House and Senate, I will issue a dividend to every adult in the United States of America for $5,000," Trump stated to an audience of over 21,000 attendees. He stipulated that the funds would need to be spent within the United States.

The proposal, which is estimated to cost at least $1 trillion, appears to be a strategic move by Trump to energize Republican support as Democrats aim to capitalize on his declining approval ratings in competitive races across the country. Trump urged Republicans at the convention to view the November midterms as a referendum on his presidency, imploring them to "pretend I'm on the ballot."

During his remarks, Trump reiterated unsubstantiated claims of winning the 2020 election, stating, "We won the presidency three times." He also offered a fervent endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee for the state's U.S. Senate seat, despite acknowledging Paxton's unconventional style. "He may not dress right. He may not talk exactly perfectly, and he may not be the best-looking guy I've ever seen. But you know what he is? He's the greatest attorney general in America, and he deserves to be your next senator," Trump said of Paxton, who faces Democrat James Talarico in a closely contested race.

Trump also criticized Democrats, using expletive language to describe their arguments against voter photo identification requirements. He entered the convention to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA," drawing a significant energy shift from earlier speakers. Trump is scheduled to address the convention on both nights.

The convention's guest list and attendance dynamics have highlighted shifts within the party. Notably absent from speaking on the main stage are Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who has faced Trump's frustration over stalled legislative priorities, and several candidates from competitive races, including Maine's Republican Senator Susan Collins, Iowa Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, and New Hampshire Senate nominee John E. Sununu. Most political prognosticators anticipate Democrats are favored to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives, while the Senate remains a tighter contest with key races in Maine, Ohio, and Alaska.

Trump's arrival in Dallas was delayed due to an issue with Air Force One, which deployed its emergency evacuation slide. His keynote address also coincided with the opening night of the NFL season, featuring a Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.

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Despite the large turnout, some attendees expressed a less enthusiastic atmosphere. One GOP lobbyist described the "vibes are very bad," while others noted the competition for attention with the NFL season's start. Some seats were observed to be empty at the convention's opening.

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Earlier speakers at the convention included House lawmakers Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, who spoke on topics ranging from Democratic stock trading to Trump's rural healthcare plan. U.S. Senate nominees Michael Whatley of North Carolina and Mike Collins of Georgia, along with incumbent Ohio Senator Jon Husted, were also scheduled to speak. Former Trump administration officials including Brooke Rollins, Scott Bessent, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Attorney General Todd Blanche were also on the agenda.

The convention's program also included a tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September of the previous year. Trump honored Kirk and his wife, Erika, describing his murder as a "shock" and criticizing those who "made an excuse for it or cheered for it." The event also planned to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

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