Former President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to give every adult U.S. citizen $5,000 if Republicans gain control of both chambers of Congress in the upcoming November elections. Trump announced the unconventional offer during a speech at a Republican midterm convention.
The plan stipulates that the funds must be spent within the United States. Trump did not provide specifics on how the program would be financed, its operational details, or how the government would track spending.
Democrats have already criticized the proposal, labeling it an "empty promise." Questions have also been raised about the legality of such a pledge. With approximately 270 million adults in the U.S., a $5,000 payout per person would amount to roughly $1.3 trillion.
The feasibility of the plan appeared secondary to the reaction it generated at the convention, where the idea was met with significant applause. Trump seemed to embrace the moment as he delivered his remarks, which also touched upon many of his recurring themes.