Trump’s midterm election pressure surges: The $5,000 "dividend" vote-buying scheme faces scrutiny, with the Republican Party facing a tough battle to retain control of Congress.

At the Republican midterm election conference, Trump made a bold promise: if the GOP retains control of the House of Representatives and Senate in the November midterms, he will distribute a $5,000 "Trump Dividend" to every adult U.S. citizen. The plan is estimated to cost over $1 trillion, though Trump did not specify its funding source, and its implementation would require congressional approval. This rare promise underscores the intense midterm election pressure facing Trump and the Republican Party. Trump’s approval rating remains under pressure, voter discontent over living costs and the Iran conflict is rising, and multiple Republican candidates in tight races even skipped the conference; the GOP currently needs to hold onto its narrow majority in the House, while Senate seats are also competitive. In his speech, Trump unusually asked voters to "pretend I’m on the ballot" and acknowledged that the president’s party typically loses congressional seats in midterm elections. He also pledged to devote more time to helping Republican candidates campaign, seeking to reposition himself as the core mobilizing force for the November elections. Meanwhile, the U.S. national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, raising questions about the fiscal viability of the $5,000 dividend plan. The Republican Party has also begun seeking adjustments to the plan, with Senator Ted Cruz suggesting it could be structured as a tax refund with work requirements.