Trump says every adult American will get $5,000 if Republicans win midterms

US President Donald Trump has promised every adult American a $5,000 payout if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in November's midterm elections. The plan, which would cost more than a trillion dollars, was revealed in a speech at the party's first-ever convention in the middle of a US presidential term. Trump gave no details on how the plan would work or where the money would come from, but Vice-President JD Vance has linked it to the revenue generated by tariffs. Democrats have labelled the plan an 'empty promise', questioning its legality and feasibility. The US has a population of nearly 270 million adults, making the proposed payout one of the most expensive in history. The plan has sparked concerns about its feasibility, particularly with rising US prices and the ongoing war with Iran, which has caused oil prices to fluctuate worldwide. Trump has argued that short-term economic pain is worth it to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US president has faced pressure from his party to end the war, which he says will not end until after the midterms. Earlier report (2026-09-10 15:37): US President Donald Trump has announced a plan to offer every adult American a $5,000 payout if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in November's midterm elections. The proposal, which would cost more than a trillion dollars, was made in a speech at the Republican party's first-ever convention in Dallas, Texas. Trump gave no details on how the plan would work or be funded, saying only that the money would have to be spent in the US. The US government would have to pay out nearly $1.3 trillion if all 270 million adult Americans were to receive the payout. The plan has been met with skepticism from Democrats, who have labelled it an 'empty promise'. Others have questioned whether the pledge is legal or feasible. The proposal has drawn raucous applause from the Republican crowd, with Trump seeming to relish the moment. The idea is unprecedented, as no US president has offered a payout to Americans in the context of an election year plea to vote. The proposal has also been linked to the revenue that Trump has raised for the US government using tariffs. The war between the US and Iran, which began in February, has contributed to the current economic uncertainty. Iran's retaliation has included attacks on US bases and allies in the Gulf, as well as a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route. The blockage has caused fluctuations in oil prices worldwide, and Trump has faced pressure from his party to end the war. In his speech, Trump argued that short-term economic pain was worth it to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The plan has been met with criticism from some Republicans, who have expressed concerns about the feasibility and legality of the proposal.