Trump Promises $5,000 “Dividend” If GOP Retains Congress

President Donald Trump on Wednesday promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, coupling the pledge with a plea for supporters to “pretend” he was on the ballot.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” he told the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, as the party trails in polls against the Democrats.

Trump did not say where the funding would come from, with the theoretical cost likely to exceed $1 trillion, citing only that “our country is making so much money.”

He doubled down on his bet that Republicans can defy the polls and retain both chambers of Congress on November 3, telling the crowd: “I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot. I’m on the ballot, I’m on the ballot — just one more time.”

Opinion polls show Trump's approval rating in the low 30s as voters express frustration over high prices and the war he launched against Iran, with Decision Desk HQ projecting Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate 51-49 in November.

Trump Defends Iran War, Warns Of “Communist” Future

Trump strongly defended the ongoing war with Iran, predicting victory and linking it directly to lower oil prices, before suggesting the strategically vital 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,” he said.

He also echoed other Republicans at the convention in warning of what he called a wave of communism threatening the United States.

“It’s going to be a communist country if they win… 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 said.

Trump was due to return for the convention finale on Thursday, following a keynote address from Vice President JD Vance, with Cabinet members, congressional leaders and House and Senate candidates also on the programme.

Festive Mood Inside Dallas Convention Despite Political Headwinds

Inside the American Airlines Center, there was little visible sign of Republican anxiety about November; the convention even featured a video address from Democratic Senator John Fetterman, who has grown increasingly at odds with his party’s left wing over issues including Israel.

Republicans highlighted tax cuts and immigration enforcement, touting increased manufacturing activity and lower prescription drug prices. At the same time, the arena was decorated with Trump posters and merchandise stands did brisk business in T-shirts, mugs and copies of “Under Siege,” a new book by the president’s son, Eric Trump.

Chants of “USA! USA!” echoed through the hall as the national anthem opened the programme, with Dallas local Tracey Wroblski, 59, describing Trump as “on fire” with his midterm messaging: “It’s awesome, it’s meaty, it’s we’re fixing our country,” she said.

“We’re not going to communism. We’re staying Republican, thank you very much.”

The gathering marks the first Republican national convention held specifically for a midterm election, with no candidates formally nominated; instead, organisers built a two-night television rally promoting Trump’s record and Republican candidates, with more than 100 House members and candidates expected to attend.