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 | 21 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 | Funny: 1

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 | Funny: 1

"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

#2 | Posted by eberly

Guess what, bonehead?

NO president has EVER offered money for votes.

NO president has EVER offered promises like trump has that were NEVER anything but lies.

Your "they all do it" comparison is bull manure...like just about everything else you post.

#9 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-09-10 02:20 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

I wouldn't be surprised if this goes nowhere

#2 | POSTED BY EBERLY

Why would you be surprised?

Pretty much all of Trumpy's 30,000+ lies have gone "nowhere".

#10 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-09-10 02:26 PM | Reply

-NO president has EVER offered money for votes.

You're funny

I like you

I have a dozen lefties here want to slap the ---- right out of your mouth for typing that.

#11 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 02:56 PM | Reply

Re 11

Ok. Name one.

#12 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-09-10 03:05 PM | Reply

I have a dozen lefties here want to slap the ---- right out of your mouth for typing that.

#11 | POSTED BY EBERLY

This should be interesting.

Name one.

#13 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-09-10 03:09 PM | Reply

Presidents and presidential candidates are famous for promises made during campaigns

This isn't, "I've got the best healthcare plan and you'll see it after the election."

This is a statement of intent to break the law.

You're not allowed, by law, to pay people for their votes.

It's literally against the law.

Not that the law matters to Trump or his voters.

#14 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-09-10 03:33 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I understand what you're saying but you're not serious with this, are you?

#15 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 03:56 PM | Reply

you're not serious with this, are you?

#15 | POSTED BY EBERLY

The man is entirely correct.

#16 | Posted by Zed at 2026-09-10 03:58 PM | Reply

-You're not allowed, by law, to pay people for their votes.

He's offering to pay you too. he's willing to pay people who vote against republicans

I know this looks like I'm defending this stupid shenanigan but I assure you I'm not.

But politicians promise to distribute government money in exchange for winning elections all the time. It's the entire premise of campaign financing.

minimum wage
healthcare
taxes
tax rebates
infrastructure
pay for teachers (didn't someone campaign to pay teachers bonuses if elected?)

I'm not saying what Trump proposed is legal.....just how it's going to be spun.

#17 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 04:02 PM | Reply

And by asking if you're serious....I'm not saying you're wrong.

I asking how this plays out. we know the justice department isn't going to barge into the oval office and quote 18 U.S. code 597 to Trump. Those guys work for Trump.

But will Congressional democrats call out this attempt to bribe voters?

#18 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 04:05 PM | Reply

He's offering to pay you too.

He's lying. Hoping to sucker in some idiots to vote for him based on empty promises.

I'm not denying all presidential candidates make empty promises.

But it's literally against the law to bribe people to vote for or against a candidate.

you're not serious with this, are you?

I'm not sure what you're referring to.

That it's against the law? Yes.

That I expect anyone to do anything about Trump breaking the law? No.

Trump has proven repeatedly that laws don't apply to him.

#19 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-09-10 04:53 PM | Reply

#2 | Posted by eberly

I'm genuinely surprised you're commenting on this as if it has the remotest chance of actually happening.

#20 | Posted by jpw at 2026-09-10 05:02 PM | Reply

LOL....every damn time I say something has no chance of happening.....everyone comes out of the woods to chastise me for being naive and quip with "get the sand out of your ears" "this should concern you"..blah blah blah...

#21 | Posted by eberly at 2026-09-10 05:08 PM | Reply