President Donald Trump announced a proposal over the weekend to send a $5,000 payment to every adult U.S. citizen, stating the plan is contingent on the Republican party retaining control of Congress in the upcoming November midterm elections. The announcement came as the administration promoted two smaller, separate federal payment programs currently being implemented.
In a video posted to his Truth Social account on Saturday, Trump detailed the conditional proposal. “If Republicans win the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 Midterm Elections, I’m going to give all Adult Citizens in the United States of America, $5,000,” he said. The president had made a similar statement at a Republican National Committee event in Dallas the previous month.
The proposed $5,000 payments would require congressional approval and carry an estimated cost of $1.2 trillion. Details regarding a potential funding source or a specific legislative plan have not been released by the White House.
The proposal follows the rollout of two other direct payment initiatives. The administration announced Friday that 20.8 million Medicare beneficiaries would receive one-time $90 payments this month. According to officials, these payments are funded through the Medicare Improvement Fund for certain Part B enrollees.
Separately, checks for $500 have begun to be distributed to approximately 950,000 people who purchased unsubsidized health coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace. A Reuters analysis of this program found that a significant portion of the funds were directed to residents in states with competitive Senate or gubernatorial races, though eligibility is determined by insurance status, not location.
The $5,000 proposal has drawn reactions from members of Congress. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., told Reuters in September he would oppose the measure, expressing concern it could negatively impact interest rates. In an interview with CNN, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., described the plan as a “political bribe” and noted that Congress holds the authority over federal spending.
Recent polling indicates varied public opinion on the proposal. A Rasmussen Reports survey of likely voters showed a near-even split, with 47% in favor and 48% opposed. A Marquette Law School poll conducted in Wisconsin found 70% of respondents were against the payments. An Economist/YouGov poll reported that 57% of registered voters were skeptical the payments would be delivered even if Republicans maintain their congressional majority.
In previous years, the administration has proposed other direct payment programs that were not implemented. A 2025 proposal for a dividend funded by a reciprocal tariff was halted after the Supreme Court ruled against the tariffs. Prior to the 2020 election, Trump announced a plan to send $200 prescription-drug cards to 33 million Medicare recipients, but the cards were never distributed.
The Trump administration did deliver a $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” to approximately 1.5 million military service members in 2025. Congress also approved stimulus payments to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic under his first term.
