Trump promises $5,000 dividend for voters if GOP controls Congress, Axelrod scoffs

During his speech at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Donald Trump promised to issue a $5,000 check to every adult American if Republicans secure control of both chambers of Congress in the November 2026 elections, citing what he described as unprecedented economic success. The crowd reacted positively, with many supporters expressing excitement about the potential payment. Former Obama administration adviser David Axelrod responded on X, ridiculing the proposal as a deceptive lure and suggesting that believers were naïve.

He also jabbed at Trump’s Washington, D.C., beautification projects, implying the dividend might be a ploy to sell something. Earlier, Axelrod had criticized the very idea of a midterm convention, saying no Republican in a competitive race would want to attend a gathering featuring an unpopular president. His comments highlight internal dissent within the party over the unconventional campaign strategy.