TRUMP TIES $5,000 PAYMENT PLEDGE TO REPUBLICAN MIDTERM CONTROL

Donald Trump has pledged to give a $5,000 payment to American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress in November's midterm elections, telling a Republican convention audience "only I can make this promise to you." A poll by The Economist and YouGov found 61% of likely voters doubt he will deliver the payment, against 22% who believe he will. The same survey found opinion on the proposal itself split, with 45% opposed and 43% in favour, rising to 69% support among voters identifying with the Make America Great Again movement. Vice President JD Vance suggested tariff revenue could help fund it.

Estimates of the cost vary: one report put it at a minimum of $1.3 trillion, while another, based on roughly 240 million American adults, put it at about $1.2 trillion. Reports said tariff revenue currently collected falls well short of the amount needed. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the proposal needs congressional approval, saying this was why Trump made the payment conditional on Republicans keeping control of the House and Senate. One report said the plan has prompted accusations of bribery and questions over its legality.

Several Republicans and donors publicly criticised the pledge. Republican donor Joe Lonsdale said he was "strongly against bread and circus bribes", while Representative Bob Good of Virginia called it a "socialist vote-buying scheme". Johnson said the payment remains contingent on Republicans keeping Congress in November and would still require lawmakers to approve it. The poll found most voters remain sceptical the payment will ever materialise, whichever party controls Congress after the vote.