We all know Donald Trump does not feel bound by the usual rules of political campaigning. Even by his own unconventional standards, however, his extravagant promise to give every American citizen $5,000 (£3,700) if Republicans win the midterm elections was extraordinary.
The huge cash pledge was not the main focus of his keynote speech on the opening night of the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday, reports BBC.
Trump mentioned it about an hour into his lengthy address, just as the audience’s attention appeared to be waning.
The president provided no details on how the pledge, which could cost more than $1 trillion, would be funded or how the payments would be distributed.
Asked for further details, the White House said in a statement that “the announcement is the latest proof that President Trump does what the so-called ‘experts’ say cannot be done: he delivers for the American people”. It offered no further explanation of how the plan would be implemented.
Trump’s announcement drew enthusiastic applause from supporters inside the Republican convention arena in Dallas, Texas.
However, Republicans facing competitive races in November — who need to win over sceptical swing voters, including moderate Republicans and independents — largely stayed away from the event.
Many of Trump’s fellow Republicans also appeared to have been caught off guard. While some welcomed the announcement, Republicans more critical of the president were quick to condemn the proposal.
