US President Donald Trump walks on stage to speak on the first day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 09, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP
Dallas, United States: President Donald Trump on Wednesday promised $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, coupling the extraordinary claim with a plea for his supporters to "pretend" he was on the ballot.
"If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend," he told the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, as the party struggles in polls against the Democrats.
The president did not say where the money would come from -- with the theoretical bill likely topping $1 trillion -- citing only that "our country is making so much money."
Doubling down on his bet that he can help Republicans defy opinion polls and retain both houses of Congress on November 3, Trump said: "I'm asking you to pretend that I'm on the ballot."
"I'm on the ballot, I'm on the ballot -- just one more time," he told the crowd.
Opinion polls overwhelmingly show that Trump's approval ratings are in the low 30s, as voters become increasingly angry about high prices and the war he launched against Iran.
Decision Desk HQ projects Democrats to win the House 230-205 and the Senate to finish 51-49 in their favor in November.
Trump also echoed other Republicans at the convention stirring up what he said was a wave of communism threatening the United States.
"It's going to be a communist country if they win," he said.
"Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back," he said.
Trump is due to return for the convention finale Thursday, after a keynote address from Vice President JD Vance.
Cabinet members, congressional leaders and candidates in closely watched House and Senate races are also on the program.
The central Republican gamble is whether Trump can mobilize voters personally loyal to him even when he is not actually running, without further alienating independents who have soured on his presidency.
The gathering is the first Republican national convention held specifically for a midterm election, although no candidates are being nominated and no formal party business is planned.
Instead, organizers have constructed what amounts to a two-night television rally touting Trump's record and Republican candidates.
More than 100 House members and candidates were expected to attend, with over 50 speakers or presentations scheduled each night.
