US President Donald Trump has promised a $5,000 payment to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections, making an extraordinary financial pledge as the party seeks to rally voters ahead of the poll.

Speaking at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Trump described the proposed payment as a “dividend” and urged his supporters to treat the election as if he himself were on the ballot. Trump is not personally contesting the midterm election.

The proposal, however, comes without a detailed explanation of how the federal government would finance or administer such a large-scale payment. Reuters reported that providing $5,000 to every eligible adult could cost approximately $1.35 trillion.

Trump Links Payment to Republican Victory

Trump said the payment would be made if Republicans maintain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate after the November election.

He presented the plan as a benefit arising from what he described as the country's strong economic performance. Trump also said there would be a condition attached to the money: recipients would have to spend it within the United States.

The announcement was made during a convention designed to energise Republican voters and candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Funding Details Remain Unclear

One of the biggest questions surrounding the proposal is where the money would come from.

Trump did not provide a detailed funding plan during his announcement, instead arguing that the United States was generating substantial amounts of money. The scale of the proposed programme would make it a major federal spending commitment.

The Associated Press reported that the payment could cost more than $1 trillion and would require congressional approval. It also noted that tariff revenue has been discussed as a possible funding source, although current tariff collections would not be sufficient on their own to cover a payment of this size.

A Major Campaign Promise Before Midterms

The pledge comes at a critical point in the 2026 US political calendar. All 435 House seats are up for election, while control of the Senate will also be contested. The elections are scheduled for November 3.

Trump has made himself the central figure in the Republican campaign, despite not appearing on the ballot. His message at the Dallas convention was aimed at encouraging voters to see the election as a referendum on his administration and Republican control of Congress.

The unusual midterm convention itself has placed considerable attention on Trump's role in the Republican campaign.

Questions Over Economic Impact

The proposed $5,000 payment could have significant economic implications if implemented, particularly because of its enormous fiscal cost.

The United States is already dealing with high federal debt and a substantial budget deficit. Critics have questioned whether a programme of this scale could be financed without adding pressure to government finances.

The AP described the pledge as a “Trump Dividend” and noted that its implementation would face substantial fiscal and legislative questions.

Trump Seeks to Mobilise Republican Voters

Trump's announcement also reflects his broader strategy of making the 2026 midterms closely associated with his presidency.

At the Dallas convention, he urged supporters to “pretend” that he was on the ballot and framed Republican success as essential to advancing his political agenda.

For now, however, the $5,000 payment remains a campaign proposal rather than an approved federal programme. Its final value, eligibility rules, funding source and implementation would depend on legislation and congressional action.

With the midterm elections approaching, the pledge is likely to become a major point of debate over both Trump's economic agenda and the fiscal priorities of a potential Republican-controlled Congress.