Receiving a check signed by Donald Trump for five thousand dollars at home. This is what should happen, according to the promise made by the US president, to every American citizen if the Republican Party wins the upcoming midterm elections. But is it really possible? Let’s understand what Trump promised and whether it is feasible.
The Trump dividend
The American president spoke at the Republican convention in Dallas. He gave two long speeches, peppered with promises and insults to his opponents. There was also no shortage of “threats” to voters: “Do you know what happens if you don’t vote? You’re going to hell. You know that.” One of the main points was the promise of a “dividend” for adult citizens if his party won, maintaining control of the House and Senate. He called it the “Trump dividend” and it’s supposed to be worth $5,000 apiece.
.@POTUS announces the TRUMP DIVIDEND: If Republicans win both the House and the Senate, because of our tremendous economic success, I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States for $5,000 pic.twitter.com/s4orJJGx9d
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 10, 2026
Is it really doable?
There is talk of a devastating impact on public finances. Let’s do the math. According to the latest census, there are approximately 240 million adult Americans, the initiative would cost at least 1,200 billion dollars, a figure to which administrative costs are added but from which rich Americans, who would not receive the check, must be subtracted. However, the bill exceeds 1,300 billion, almost as much as the US spends on defense.
The problems, one can imagine, are more than just the figure itself. There are legal obstacles: under federal law, offering or making a payment to induce someone to vote for or against a candidate is a crime. And it is also punishable by prison.
If it were to become a real proposal, it would have to be approved by Congress. According to observers, it is not a given that he will pass the test even if the Republicans win the mid-term elections. Much will depend on the difference in seats compared to the Democrats and above all to the opposition that the progressives will provide, considering that the conservatives will need at least 60 votes and some senators have already expressed doubts. With a public debt already exceeding 40,000 billion, it is difficult for the Republican hawks in the Senate to approve such a high bill.
.@VP in Dallas: “We just had a protestor interrupting us and waving the Mexican flag. Well, my friend, if you love Mexico so much, get your ass over there — I’ll buy you the plane ticket.” pic.twitter.com/PYkqtkLz6q
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 11, 2026
Not just promises
Trump then used his entire repertoire of accusations against the Democrats: “If they returned to power, he added, they would leave criminals free to rob, rape and kill, as happened just two years ago.” And JD Vance, “predestined” to run for president in 2028, took things further: “I am the party that despises America and has sympathy for the terrorists who perpetrated September 11th. Let us never forget, America belongs to those who love it. I am not asking anyone to agree with me on every single policy of the administration. I ask you to follow Charlie Kirk’s example: don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. What I ask of you is to recognize the contrast with the radicals and to recognize the results obtained in the last 18 months”, he added, asking Americans not to hand over the country to a “group of madmen”.