US President Donald Trump has promised a potential $5,000 payment to every adult American citizen if Republicans retain control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the November 3 midterm elections.
Trump made the pledge while addressing a special midterm convention of the Republican National Committee in Dallas, where he sought to energise party supporters ahead of the congressional elections.
Describing the proposed payment as a “Trump dividend”, the President linked the promise to what he characterised as strong economic performance under his administration. He said that a Republican victory in both chambers would allow him to deliver the payment to adult US citizens.
Trump also indicated that the money would be intended for spending within the United States.
The announcement came as Trump positioned himself as a central figure in the Republican campaign despite not being a candidate in the midterm elections. He urged Republican voters to treat the contest as though his name were directly on the ballot.
Trump argued that Republican candidates perform strongly when he is involved in elections and warned supporters that losing control of Congress could affect issues including border policy, tax cuts and public safety.
“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump told the audience as he appealed for support for Republican candidates.
The President also promised to campaign aggressively in competitive congressional races in the weeks leading up to the election. He said he planned to visit states where closely fought contests for House and Senate seats could determine control of Congress and hold rallies in support of Republican candidates.
Trump Warns Supporters About ‘Communism’
During his address, Trump repeatedly raised what he described as the threat of communism in the United States.
He told supporters that his administration would oppose what he characterised as communist influence and vowed to defeat it in the country.
The remarks formed part of a broader campaign message in which Trump sought to frame the midterm elections as a choice between his Republican agenda and Democratic policies.
Trump Issues Fresh Warning to Iran
Trump also used the Republican gathering to address tensions involving Iran.
He warned Tehran against taking actions that could trigger another US military response and said the United States would respond forcefully if necessary.
Trump also questioned whether Iran should be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, reiterating his opposition to the country acquiring such capabilities.
Trump Floats ‘New America’ Name for New Mexico
The President additionally revived one of his more unusual proposals by suggesting that the US state of New Mexico could be renamed “New America”.
Trump said the alternative name was something he considered appropriate, referring to the state’s existing name and its geographical proximity to the rest of the United States.
His comments came during an address dominated by the Republican midterm campaign, with Trump seeking to consolidate support for GOP candidates ahead of the November vote.
