ROCHESTER, N.Y. — President Donald Trump’s promise to give $5,000 to all Americans if Republicans win in November’s elections has sparked debate across the nation.
Trump made the announcement almost a week ago, calling it the “Trump Dividend.” News10NBC’s Tom Kowalski looked into whether the proposal is legal and what it would cost taxpayers.
According to the 2025 census, there are just over 269 million people over 18 years old in the United States. Multiply that by $5,000 and the total would be $1.3 trillion. For comparison, the U.S. is already $40 trillion in debt.
But is this even legal? We went to Professor Timothy Kneeland, a Director of History, Politics & Law at Nazareth University to find out.
“Yes. It actually is legal,” said Kneeland, citing a 1982 Supreme Court case.
“Politicians all the time suggest that if they get elected, that they’re going to have some benefit or perk for individuals. And they’re not they’re not making this based upon any specific group. They’re not even checking to see if you voted Republican. Every adult would get this check. So therefore it meets the legal criteria for a campaign promise. Some people may say it’s unethical, but it certainly stays within the limits of the law.”
But even if it’s legal, voters Kowalski spoke with said that doesn’t make it right.
“I think it’s another distraction,” voter Thomas Muhammed said.
“I think it’s nuts,” voter Jerri Brucker said.
“It’s pretty ridiculous. It’s not going to happen,” Heidi Brucker Morgan said.
“I don’t think we should be giving out money for tax dollars in order to vote for a political party,” voter Emily Evans said.
But Kneeland says the proposal may not sway voters in either direction.
“You know, I’ve talked to people, a variety of people about this because it’s a fascinating idea,” continued Kneeland, saying he heard from both the left and right. “Even people on the left, obviously, they would take the money, but they’re not going to change their vote. But people I’ve talked to on the right don’t really expect this to happen.”
Kneeland added the economic impact of the Trump Dividend could be detrimental as well. He looked back to when President Biden gave out the COVID stimulus checks, saying some economists suggested it added 2.5% to the inflation rate. If the dividend were to go through, it’s possible it could reduce any impact the $5,000 itself could have, as it may also increase prices across the board for Americans.
Is Trump’s $5,000 ‘Trump Dividend’ even legal? A local professor breaks it down WHEC.com.
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