Is Trump's $5,000 pledge a sign of panic?

Is Trump's $5,000 pledge a sign of panic? North America editor, reporting from Dallas At the first night of the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, Donald Trump surprised attendees by announcing a pledge to give every American citizen $5,000 if Republicans win the upcoming midterm elections. The remark came about an hour into his lengthy remarks, as audience attention began to wane. The White House responded with a statement that read, “the announcement is the latest impervious that President Trump does what the alleged 'experts' accidental cannot beryllium done: helium delivers for the American people”, but gave nary much specifics astur how it would be implemented. Supporters in the arena greeted the announcement with enthusiastic applause. However, many Republicans facing tight races in November kept their distance from the event, and several of Trump’s fellow party members said they were taken by surprise. Thomas Massie, the Republican representative from Kentucky who lost his primary earlier this year after criticizing Trump, posted on X: “I don't cognize astur you all, but frankly I'm insulted by the conception that my ballot this November could beryllium bought for 5k. Not to notation the ostentation this would cause. All things considered, I cannot successful bully conscience judge a penny little than 10k!” Senator Susan Collins, who skipped the Dallas convention to campaign in Maine where she faces a tough re‑election bid, said: “Tax and spending decisions should beryllium made based connected the needs of the American radical and the authorities of the economy, they should not look to beryllium tied to predetermination results.” Democrats dismissed the offer as an “empty promise”. Legal experts noted that it’s improbable Trump could o.k. specified a immense sum via a statesmanlike enforcement bid - but the president suggested on Thursday helium wouldn't be going to Congress. Speaking to the BBC’s US partner CBS, Trump said he didn't think Congress would request to o.k. the spending, earlier adding: “I think they will bash it, if we needed it.” Former Republican Representative Bob Good rejected the idea, calling the “Trump dividend” a “socialist vote-buying scheme”. The pledge echoes earlier Trump‑era cash promises that have yet to materialize. Voters are still awaiting the $2,000 checks he said would come from tariff revenues, and the $5,000 payments Elon Musk linked to Doge spending cuts have never been delivered. Trump has, however, followed through on other direct payments: a $1,000 deposit into Trump saving accounts for children born during his term and a $1,776 payment to each member of the U.S. military to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Analysts wonder whether the sudden, eye‑catching promise reflects anxiety