President Trump proposed sending $5,000 payments to U.S. adults if Republicans retain control of Congress in the November midterm elections. Can he do that?
Yes.
Candidates can generally promise benefits if elected. Legal experts say campaign pledges tied to future government spending are common, and courts have historically allowed them. Read more about the litigation history here.
But the plan would have to pass Congress.
Congress controls federal spending, so any payments would require congressional approval, though Republicans could potentially use a budget process that bypasses Senate Democrats.
How much would it cost?
Roughly $1.2 trillion, far exceeding current tariff revenues that administration officials have suggested could help fund it. Economists say the proposal could increase federal deficits and add inflationary pressure.
Read more here.
