Donald Trump has shared new details about his proposed $5,000 "Trump Dividend," asserting that the massive payout program would not require approval from Congress. The proposal, which Trump introduced at a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, would send $5,000 to every American adult citizen after the midterm elections, contingent on Republicans retaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Trump described the proposed payments as "a great infusion" of capital, specifying that the money would carry a restriction requiring it to be spent entirely within the United States rather than in other countries. However, the unilateral distribution of such dividends is expected to face immediate legal and political pushback. The total cost of the program could exceed one trillion dollars, and it remains highly unclear what legal authority the president could invoke to bypass congressional funding approval.
The policy proposal was unveiled during Trump's multi-day visit to North Texas, where he delivered a keynote address on Wednesday and was scheduled to give the closing remarks on Thursday night. The events took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, marking the first-ever Republican midterm convention. Prior to his second night at the convention, Trump was also slated to tour the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, where he discussed his plans and political endorsements in an interview.
In addition to the dividend proposal, Trump used his convention platform to stand by his past decision to launch a war with Iran and to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his Senate race. Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., is currently spending $10 million on television advertisements to support Paxton's campaign. When asked about his willingness to invest further resources, Trump confirmed he would continue his efforts. "I'll be back in Texas. I love Texas; I've won it three times," Trump said, claiming he has achieved the highest vote total in the political history of the state.
Trump spoke highly of Paxton, calling him "probably the best attorney general that we've had in years in this country." He credited Paxton with key border policy outcomes, stating, "If it wasn't for him, we probably wouldn't have the wall, at least not to the extent that we have it." Trump also joked about Paxton's personal style, saying, "I don't like the way he dresses, I don't like the way sometimes he talks, but he's the greatest attorney general in the country." Trump defended his financial backing of Paxton by pointing out that the Democratic opponent, whom he referred to as "Talarico" alongside other nicknames, has significantly more campaign funding. Trump added that electing the opponent would be "an insult to Texas."
Addressing his support among Hispanic voters, Trump pointed to his strong performance in the 2024 election, noting that he won a majority of the Texas counties along the southern border. Trump claimed that observers told him this was the first time such an electoral sweep had occurred since Reconstruction or the Civil War. He expressed strong confidence in his relationship with Hispanic communities, citing favorable voting trends in Miami and across Florida as evidence. "I think we're in very very strong shape in Texas," Trump said, emphasizing that his ticket secured a substantial victory in the state.
With his own name not on the ballot for the upcoming midterm elections, Trump urged his supporters to maintain high voter turnout. He appealed directly to voters to treat the election as if he were personally running. "I'm just asking the people, you people that are listening, pretend I'm running because we have to win," Trump said, highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming vote. "We have the hottest country anywhere in the world and we can't let it go."
