Trump Promises $5,000 Dividend Checks, Speaker Johnson Says Congress Must Approve

President Donald Trump announced a plan to give every American adult a $5,000 dividend check if Republicans keep control of Congress after the November midterm elections.4,2 Trump said the payments could be made without congressional approval.4,2 House Speaker Mike Johnson said congressional approval is required for the dividend.3,2

Johnson said he would work to get the proposal through Congress despite a narrow Republican majority.2 Several GOP lawmakers expressed doubts about the feasibility and merits of the proposal.5,1 The proposal would cost more than $1 trillion.2

Trump said the payments would be funded by tariffs, investment gains, and other income.2 Johnson said he would commit to finding consensus on the proposal.2 Trump said the checks would happen "100%" after the midterms.4,2

Trump made the announcement at the Republican National Committee midterm convention in Dallas.2 Trump told reporters before departing Ireland that the checks would happen.4 Johnson said Congress would need to act to approve the dividend.3

The proposal would require congressional approval and could add more than $1 trillion to the federal deficit.2