Trump Pledges $5,000 Dividend If Republicans Keep Congress

President Donald Trump has pledged a $5,000 dividend to every adult American if the Republican Party retains control of both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.

The announcement was made in September during a campaign speech. Trump stated that the nation is generating high revenue and that he alone could make such a promise. He called the measure the "Trump dividend." According to The Associated Press, the plan would cost more than $1 trillion and requires Congressional approval. Critics note it could worsen the annual budget deficit, which stands at nearly $1.8 trillion, and increase inflationary pressures. Trump has not provided a detailed financing plan, citing tariff revenue as the source of funds.

On Monday, the president announced a separate $1 million reward for individuals who report cases of election fraud. The offer covers both past elections and the vote scheduled for November 3. To qualify, the report must lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Trump made this announcement on Truth Social. A White House spokesperson told NBC News that no additional details were available regarding the source of the funds or the application process for the reward.

The administration recently launched the White House Incentive Program for Whistleblowers, or WHIP. This program offers rewards ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for information that leads to criminal charges for specific government frauds. Unlike other programs, WHIP allows for earlier payouts without waiting for a final conviction. Whistleblowers may also receive larger rewards through other channels if their information leads to significant economic sanctions or asset confiscations.

In September, the White House announced $500 rebate checks for nearly one million eligible individuals. These recipients are enrolled in Obamacare insurance plans in 30 states and reportedly paid higher premiums than necessary during the Biden administration. The White House said the checks were scheduled for dispatch in October. Eligible recipients are those who do not receive subsidies for their premiums. It remains unclear if Congressional approval is required for this specific disbursement.

In early October, Trump announced one-time payments of $90 for more than 20 million eligible Medicare Part B beneficiaries. These payments are intended to help cover premium costs. The total outlay is approximately $1.8 billion. The White House stated that the funds will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress established in 2008 to provide flexible financing for Medicare operations and provider payments. It has not yet been confirmed that beneficiaries have received these funds.

These new promises follow previous pledges that were not fulfilled. Earlier in his term, Trump suggested that savings from the Department of Government Efficiency, which was led by Elon Musk, would be transferred to citizens as checks. He also proposed dividends of at least $2,000 per person funded by tariff income. Neither of those payments was distributed. NBC News contacted the White House to determine how the administration would fund the proposed $5,000 dividend, which would cost approximately $1.35 trillion.