President Donald Trump promised Wednesday to send every adult U.S. citizen a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of both the House and Senate in November.
Speaking at the Republican Party’s first midterm convention in Dallas, Trump called the proposed payments a “Trump dividend” and compared them to a successful company distributing profits to its shareholders.
He said the checks would be made possible by the country’s economic strength but did not identify a funding source or explain how the program would operate.
With approximately 270 million adults in the United States, the proposal could cost about $1.35 trillion.
The payments would also require congressional approval, raising questions about whether enough lawmakers would support such a large one-time expenditure.
Trump used the announcement to encourage supporters to vote as if his name were on the ballot, arguing that Republican control is necessary to preserve his economic, immigration and public-safety policies.
Texas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa has proposed a smaller rebate, promising each Texas household a one-time $1,500 check if she defeats Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
Her campaign estimates the program would cost $17 billion and draw from the state’s rainy day fund, but it would also require approval from the Republican-controlled Legislature.