US President Donald Trump is again promising 5,000 dollars to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in next month’s midterm elections.
Trump is describing the proposed payment as a dividend, but that would require congressional approval and potentially cost more than a trillion dollars.
The pledge comes as Republicans fight to hold their majorities, with the economy and cost of living being central issues ahead of the vote. This has given Democrats an advantage.
Americans go to the polls on November third.
President Trump has put cash at the centre of his midterm pitch — promising a 5,000 dollar payment to every adult American citizen if Republicans keep control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
He began floating the idea at the Republican midterm convention in September, but it remains unclear under what authority or programme these payments could be made.
With roughly 270 million American adults, the proposal could cost around $1.3 trillion and Congress would likely have a role as it retains the power of the purse.
-Reporting by Sherwin Bryce-Pease
