Former President Donald Trump has pledged to issue a $5,000 “Trump dividend” to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. The promise was made during his keynote address at the Republican Party's first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
Trump framed the potential cash distribution as a reward for the nation's economic strength, drawing a parallel to dividends issued by successful companies to their shareholders. "I can make this promise to you, and here is my promise," Trump stated. "If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them, because of our economic — tremendous economic success like in history, we've never had anything like what's happening. but 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."
The former president also urged voters to support Republican candidates, asking them to consider his own performance in office as if he were on the ballot. He highlighted legislative achievements, including tax cuts, which he asserted have put money back into the pockets of working families. Trump warned that a Republican loss in Congress would jeopardize these policies, as well as border security and national safety.
Trump addressed economic concerns, acknowledging criticism regarding rising gas prices and inflation, which he linked to the conflict in Iran. He defended his administration's economic policies, including tariffs, with some attendees expressing confidence that resolving the conflict would lead to broader economic improvements. Polling data cited in reports indicates that Trump's handling of the economy, cost of living, and inflation is viewed unfavorably by a majority of voters.
In addition to national races, Trump endorsed specific Republican candidates, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his U.S. Senate race. Trump reiterated his administration's focus on border security, claiming record-low levels of illegal immigration and zero illegal immigrant admissions into Texas over the past 16 months. He also criticized Democratic candidates, characterizing them as "radical left communists" and highlighting proposals attributed to groups like the Democratic Socialists of America.
Trump also alluded to foreign policy successes, mentioning a significant oil deal following the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which he described as potentially the largest in U.S. history, involving 65 billion barrels of oil. Mae C. Powell is a politics reporter at Fox News Digital.