US President Donald Trump has promised to pay $5,000 to every adult American if the Republican Party retains control of Congress in November.
Trump unveiled the proposal, dubbed the “Trump dividend”, at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, while directly asking supporters to “pretend” his name was on the ballot.
Facing unfavourable opinion polls against the Democrats, Trump did not explain where the money would come from. The theoretical cost of the proposal could exceed $1 trillion. He cited only that “our country is making so much money”, reports AFP.
Doubling down on his belief that he can help Republicans defy opinion polls and retain control of both houses of Congress on 3 November, Trump urged attendees to act as though he were personally seeking re-election.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told the crowd, adding, “I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time”.
Opinion polls overwhelmingly show Trump’s approval ratings have fallen into the low 30s, as voters become increasingly angry over high prices and the war he launched against Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects that Democrats will win the House of Representatives by 230 seats to 205 and secure a 51-49 majority in the Senate in November.
Addressing the gathering, Trump strongly defended the unpopular war with Iran, predicting victory and directly linking it to lower oil prices. He also suggested that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz should be renamed after him.
“Food prices and almost every other item are rapidly going down. And by the way oil will be going down as soon as we win the war with Iran, which is taking place right now,” Trump said.
Trump also echoed other Republicans at the convention by warning of what he described as a wave of communism threatening the United States.
“It’s going to be a communist country if they win,” he warned.
“Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back,” he added.
The gathering is the first Republican national convention held specifically for a midterm election, although no candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is planned.
Instead, organisers have put together what amounts to a two-night television rally promoting Trump’s record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with more than 50 speakers or presentations scheduled for each night.
Trump is scheduled to return for the convention finale on Thursday, following a keynote address by Vice President JD Vance.
The programme also features Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates running in closely watched House and Senate races.
The central Republican gamble is whether Trump can mobilise voters who are personally loyal to him when he is not actually running, without further alienating independent voters who have become disillusioned with his presidency.
Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little visible sign of Republican anxiety over November.
The convention featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has become increasingly at odds with the left wing of his party over issues including Israel.
Republicans highlighted tax cuts and immigration enforcement while promoting increased manufacturing and lower prescription drug prices.
The cavernous arena was decorated with Trump posters as supporters moved around in ten-gallon hats and sequined jackets featuring his name, image and the American flag.
Food stalls sold expensive snacks, while merchandise stands did brisk business in T-shirts, mugs, posters and copies of Under Siege, the latest book by Trump’s second son, Eric Trump.
Despite the political headwinds facing Republicans, the mood remained festive, with chants of “USA! USA!” and the national anthem opening the programme.
Large gaps initially remained in the stands, although the arena steadily filled as afternoon turned into evening.
Susan Kokinda, 77, a conservative podcaster who travelled to the gathering from Michigan, told AFP she expected Republicans to “do just fine” in November.
“The conventional wisdom is the party in power loses. But I always say Donald Trump is not a conventional president, and he’s reshaping the Republican Party,” she said.
