Trump Faces Bribery Allegations After Pledging $5,000 to Americans if Republicans Win Midterms
US President Donald Trump has come under criticism after pledging to give every adult American citizen $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House of Representatives and Senate in the November midterm elections.
Trump made the promise during a nearly two-hour speech at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, where he urged voters to treat the elections as though his name were on the ballot.
“If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000,” Trump told supporters.
The proposal has sparked allegations that the president was attempting to influence voters, with critics questioning whether such a promise could amount to an improper election inducement.
The proposed payment could cost more than $1 trillion if extended to all eligible adult Americans, raising questions about how it would be funded and whether it could be implemented.
Trump devoted much of his speech to attacking Democrats and warning supporters about what he said would happen if Republicans lost control of Congress.
He claimed, without providing evidence, that his second term had been “the most successful two years, financially and every other way, in the history of the presidency.”
“There is a crazy little sick cloud over our country,” Trump said, adding, “We will defeat communism in America.”
The Republican convention is the party’s first major midterm convention as it seeks to maintain control of Congress. Historically, the party occupying the White House often faces difficulties during midterm elections.
Trump acknowledged the trend but urged Republicans to defy it.
“We’ve got to change that, because we have something going that’s so good,” he said.
He warned that a Republican defeat would have serious consequences for immigration policy, taxes, security and the economy.
“If we lose, you’re going to lose your border, you’re going to lose your tax cuts, you’re going to lose your safety and security, you’re going to lose your wealth,” Trump said.
The president, whose approval rating was reported at about 38 per cent, repeatedly positioned himself at the centre of the Republican campaign, urging voters to “pretend that I’m on the ballot” and later telling them to “please pretend that I’m running.”
Several Republican candidates involved in competitive races reportedly stayed away from the two-day convention.
Trump also used the event to defend the US military action against Iran, warning Tehran not to “get cute” and threatening that the United States would respond forcefully.
He acknowledged the impact of rising oil prices on the US economy and said he had previously been told that Iran was “two, maybe three weeks away” from developing a nuclear weapon.
The convention also drew attention over attendance, with empty seats visible during Trump’s speech. Although Trump claimed the venue was packed and that an equal number of people were standing outside, reporters at the event said they did not observe a comparable crowd outside.
The Republican National Committee had earlier announced that Americans could apply for tickets through a lottery system. However, reports indicated that applications were being approved immediately through an RNC registration page while the convention was in progress.
Trump also campaigned for Republican candidates, including Texas Senate hopeful Ken Paxton, whom he previously backed in a primary contest against incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
He also attacked Democratic candidates, including Paxton’s opponent James Talarico, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin accused Republicans of organising a “bizarre dog-and-pony show” centred on Trump.
Martin said the event showed that Trump was a “lame duck failure” who was dragging the Republican Party towards defeat.
The convention features about 12 hours of programming across two nights, with Republican candidates, Trump allies and members of his administration among the speakers.
Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, Mehmet Oz and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were among those who appeared on stage, while UFC fighters Bo Nickal and Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje introduced Trump.
Gaethje urged Republicans not to become complacent ahead of the midterm elections, drawing on his experience as a professional fighter.
Republicans have said the convention would focus on reducing costs, securing the border, improving public safety and prioritising American workers and families.
Trump is scheduled to address the convention again on Thursday, although he indicated that his second appearance would be shorter.
As he concluded his speech, Trump once again urged supporters to “please pretend that I’m running,” reinforcing his central role in the Republican midterm campaign.
