Trump promises every US adult citizen $5,000 if Republicans keep Congress
U.S. President Donald Trump promised to give every adult American citizen $5,000 if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate in November's midterm elections - a proposal that would cost the federal government more than $1 trillion.
"If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000," Trump told supporters at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9.
Trump did not explain how the payments would be funded, saying only that they would be possible because of what he described as the country's economic success.
He compared the proposed payments to dividends distributed by successful companies to their investors.
The pledge came as Republicans face the possibility of losing control of the House in November. Trump urged supporters to "pretend that I'm on the ballot," acknowledging that the party holding the White House has historically struggled in midterm elections.
Trump's approval rating among U.S. voters has fallen ahead of the elections. Several Republican candidates in competitive races did not attend the two-day convention, according to the Guardian.