Donald Trump faces doubts over $5,000 midterm election check promise in Washington

President Donald Trump promoted $5,000 voter payouts in Washington as congressional midterm elections approach. The proposal aims to lift Republican turnout, but voters question whether the money will arrive. The payouts depend on Republicans keeping control of Congress in the Nov. 3 elections.

Trump said the checks will only go out if Republicans keep their majorities in the House and Senate. He acknowledged the plan would cost over $1 trillion. It is not clear whether the White House is studying the deficit impact or inflation risks.

Supporters expressed mixed views at a recent Trump rally in Alaska. Attendee Jamie Alvarez wore a red, white and blue outfit to the event.

“I mean, I guess it’s good for some people. I really don’t care. I don’t feel like your vote should be bought. I feel like you should vote for who you feel is going to do the best job.”

Rally attendee Joseph Eatherton said he was not sure the checks were necessary. He added that he hates being an armchair quarterback.

Trump previously endorsed $2,000 tariff dividends and refunds from the Department of Government Efficiency. Neither proposal materialized. Critics point to his economic leadership, inflation and overseas conflicts involving Iran.

Lucy Martinez, president of a Republican women’s club, attended a recent Trump rally in Texas. She expects to receive the funds.

“I think that I will get the $5,000,” Martinez said. She called Trump someone who kept his promises to his people and the nation.

Amy Frederiksen, a former Minnesota Senate majority leader, said trust has vanished for most voters. She now operates a public affairs firm.

“I just don’t see the energy around that line. Most people know that’s a blatant over-the-top promise like several he’s made in the last couple of years, and they’re not buying it.”

Trump has proposed other voter payments ahead of the elections. These include:

• A $90 payment to 20 million Medicare enrollees
• Rebates of $500 for people the administration says were overcharged for Obamacare plans
• Automatic investment accounts in stocks for every child in the country

The White House said foreign investment commitments, trade deals and government stakes in private firms will fund payouts. Revenue from oil and mineral deals would also cover costs.

Officials said the money will help people recover from inflation that began in 2021 under then-President Joe Biden. Christopher Phelan, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, declined to state whether the administration modeled economic effects.

An AP-NORC poll from September shows about half of registered voters believe Trump fails to keep promises. About 3 in 10 say he tries but cannot deliver. Only about 2 in 10 say he keeps his word.

Trump told a Saturday rally crowd in Kentucky that the payments are guaranteed if his party wins. He claimed people will receive the money and experience historic economic growth.

Data from AdImpact shows Republican campaigns are not airing television or online advertisements about the checks. The pro-Democratic group Rolling Sea Action Fund released advertisements warning voters not to believe the pledge.

At a Friday rally in Georgia, Trump cited a past $1,776 dividend given to military service members. That money came from a housing supplement approved by lawmakers in Washington.

Trump said the nation would be flat broke if Democrats win a chamber in Congress. He said people must spend the money inside the country. He joked about spending the money at his club in Palm Beach, Florida.

“Let’s have lunch at Mar-a-Lago, where for $5,000, you’ll get one hamburger and a small dessert,” Trump said.

Supporters in Georgia said Trump would fight to secure the funds. Rally attendee Mike Boatman, a 58-year-old from Evansville, Indiana, said he could use the money.

“I mean, he’s done everything he’s said he’s going to do,” Boatman said. He travels nationwide to attend Trump rallies.

Federal spending plans must pass both chambers of Congress before the government can issue checks. Lawmakers draft appropriation bills to set spending levels and assign public funds for federal programs.

Midterm elections take place on Nov. 3 to decide which political party controls Congress in Washington.