Trumps bribe would cost $1.2 trillion

Thursday, September 10, 2026

President Trump is promising $5,000 checks for every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans retain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm election. The Census Bureau estimates there are about 245 million adult U.S. citizens. Giving each of them $5,000 would cost $1.2 trillion. Last fiscal year the government spent about $7 trillion, so Trump's proposal would nominally increase federal spending by more than 15%.

Posted by qcp at 08:59 AM | 8 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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If you think a compulsive liar is going to send you a $5000 check ONLY AFTER the GOP win, you're a special kind of stupid.

#1 | Posted by Nixon at 2026-09-10 09:22 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Presidents and presidential candidates are famous for promises made during campaigns, inaugural addresses, state of the union speeches, etc that die because they are politically unrealistic.

For various reasons but the top of the list is that it dies in congress.

but I wouldn't be surprised if this goes nowhere

#2 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 09:34 AM | Reply

Why not just offer every adult American a MILLION DOLLARS like Elon offered ONE American?

How much would that cost?

Askin' for a Friend.

#3 | Posted by Effeteposer at 2026-09-10 10:37 AM | Reply

If Trumpy could actually do this and if it is the right thing to do to help Americans why not give it to us right now?

#4 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-09-10 11:31 AM | Reply

If Trumpy could actually do this and if it is the right thing to do to help Americans why not give it to us right now?

#4 | POSTED BY DONNERBOY

I'd donate mine to Talarico.

#5 | Posted by Zed at 2026-09-10 11:38 AM | Reply

why not give it to us right now?

That would be socialism. /s

#6 | Posted by qcp at 2026-09-10 11:39 AM | Reply

"Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any person, either to vote or withhold his vote, or to vote for or against any candidate; and

Whoever solicits, accepts, or receives any such expenditure in consideration of his vote or the withholding of his vote"

Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

18 U.S. Code 597

#7 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-09-10 11:41 AM | Reply

So we will get paid if the GOP wins but what happens if the GOP loses? How much will that cost us? Will he then fine Americans $5000 each?

Trumpy is very transactional. If the deal does not benefit him personally he gets very mean and vindictive. Like a maga do.

So it's either take the cash bribe or face retribution.

But actually I see it as a win-win!

If he wins we "might" get a check (figure the odds).

But if he loses we win even more !

#8 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-09-10 11:45 AM | Reply