US President Donald Trump has renewed his pledge to send a $5,000 cheque to every adult American citizen if Republicans keep control of the House and Senate in the November 3 midterms.

Trump first made the promise at a September midterm convention and repeated it at a rally in Mobile, Alabama, on October 2. In a Truth Social video on October 3, he said cheques of $5,000 for “every citizen 18 years and older” could be sent if Republicans win.

“It’s going to make America very rich, very happy, and very healthy,” Trump said, claiming the payouts would be funded from tariff revenue. He said the money would also support a $90 payment to more than 20 million seniors on Medicare Part B.

The cost would be enormous. The Wall Street Journal estimated the $5,000 payout would cost about $1.2 trillion, given roughly 270 million adult citizens. Trump would also need Congress to authorise the spending, which is not guaranteed.

Critics called the pledge a vote-buying gimmick. Trump also claimed he would send $1,776 “warrior dividend” cheques to military members. The Democrats are hoping to retake one or both chambers of Congress in the midterms.