Can Trump really pay $5,000 to every American adult?
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Text:
US President Donald Trump has proposed giving every adult American $5,000 (£3,700) if Republicans win the midterm elections in November. However, the feasibility and legality of this plan are questionable.
His announcement at a Republican convention received enthusiastic applause from supporters, but Democrats dismissed it as an "empty promise." Trump specified that the funds would have to be spent within the US, but details on funding remain scarce.
Vice-President JD Vance suggested that tariff revenue could potentially cover the costs, despite the significant shortfall.
Legal considerations:
Under US federal law, offering payments to influence voting is illegal. However, some legal experts, like Dr Joan Mahoney from the University of Southampton, argue that Trump’s proposal could be seen as a legitimate campaign promise, similar to tax cut pledges, which are legal.
Laurel Rapp from Chatham House disagrees, describing it as a "transactional agreement" distinct from typical campaign promises.
Financial implications:
The offer would cost the US government approximately $1.3 trillion, given the nearly 270 million American adults. Legal experts doubt Congress would approve such a significant expenditure, and it’s unlikely Trump could do so via an executive order.
Erica York from the Tax Foundation states she would be "extremely surprised" if Congress allocated funds for this proposal, considering the country’s already unsustainable debt trajectory.
