Trump's $1 trillion-plus 'dividend' plan meets immediate bipartisan pushback
Such a payout could cost more than $1 trillion and is likely to face legal obstacles.
TL;DR
- President Trump promised a $5,000 check to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win the midterm elections.
- The proposed payout could cost over $1.2 trillion, exceeding the cost of COVID-era stimulus packages.
- Critics question the legality of the proposal, suggesting it could be considered vote-buying under federal law.
- Some Republicans, including Joe Lonsdale and Bob Good, have criticized the plan as a socialist bribe.
- Vice President JD Vance defended the policy, linking it to revenue generated by Trump's tariffs, though this revenue is insufficient to cover the cost.
- The Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates Trump's import duties generated significantly less than needed for the dividend.
- The announcement lacked details on financing, and a condition that payments "must be spent in the United States" appears unenforceable.
- Previous similar proposals by Trump, such as the "DOGE dividend" and "tariff rebates," never materialized.