President Donald Trump said the U.S. government could afford to give $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans keep control of Congress in this year’s elections. Trump, who first announced the proposal during the Republican Party convention, said the payments would be manageable because the government is bringing in large amounts of money.
However, the proposal would still need approval from Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson said lawmakers would have to examine the details, while some Republicans questioned how the government would pay for the program amid concerns over federal debt. Democrats, meanwhile, criticized the proposal, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it “not a serious proposal.”
The proposed $5,000 payments have therefore not been approved or guaranteed. Trump has presented them as something that could happen if Republicans retain congressional control, but lawmakers would still have to agree on the plan and its funding before any money could be distributed.
