Trump pushes his $5,000 'dividend' pledge if GOP wins midterms.
Republican candidates, not as much
[September 19, 2026]
By MIKE CATALINI
President Donald Trump came to battleground North Carolina doubling down
on a tantalizing and implausible midterm promise. “If we win," he said,
“we’re going to get you $5,000. So that’s it. Very simple.”
The Republican candidates who spoke at the rally had nothing to say
about it.
Their silence reflects a broader pattern. About a week after the
president unveiled his “ Trump dividend ” pledge at the party’s unusual
midterm convention in Dallas, there is little evidence that Republicans
in competitive races have incorporated it into their campaigns.
The pledge hasn't been a staple of television advertising, whether from
Trump's own political operation or his party's candidates. It usually
only comes up when reporters ask about it, prompting most Republicans to
sidestep the idea.
The Republican National Committee considers the proposed payments part
of Trump’s broader economic vision and says candidates should get behind
it.
“Of course we encourage all Republican candidates to run on his agenda,
and that includes efforts to put more money in the pockets of the
American people,” spokesperson Natalie Baldassarre said.
There are some exceptions. Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, who is
seeking reelection in a battleground Wisconsin district, has praised the
proposal.
The idea comes as the economy confronts rising interest rates,
continuing inflation and climbing fuel costs. Republicans are fighting
to keep their majorities in the House and Senate.
Trump previously promised to use savings from the Department of
Government Efficiency and revenue from tariffs on imports to distribute
payments of $2,000 or more, but none of that came to pass. The president
has said he did not think congressional approval would be needed for the
idea, which could cost more than $1 trillion, but House Speaker Mike
Johnson indicated the promise would require lawmakers to act.
[to top of second column]
|
President Donald Trump listens as North Carolina Republican U.S.
Senate candidate Michael Whatley speaks during a rally at Gastonia
Municipal Airport, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Gastonia, N.C. (AP
Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democrats point to those previous suggestions for a payout to raise
skepticism about the $5,000 pledge.
“This idea is nothing more than a recycled broken promise that
voters know Republicans will never deliver,” said Viet Shelton, a
spokesperson for the House Democratic campaign arm.
Republican campaign advertising has largely focused on the One Big
Beautiful Bill Act, including provisions that temporarily cut taxes
on tips and overtime. Other candidates are concentrating on local
issues or attacks against their opponents.
Doug Heye, a Republican strategist and former Republican National
Committee communications director, said there is little mystery
about why candidates have been reluctant to embrace the pledge.
“It’s a dumb idea,” Heye said. “There’s no way to pay for it and it
would spike inflation.”
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
