Trump Promises $5,000 to Americans – "An empty promise," Says Professor

With the November midterm elections approaching, Donald Trump introduced the “Trump Dividend” at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas.

“If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get 5,000 dollars,” Trump said at the convention.

Offering cash for votes constitutes vote-buying, a practice banned in the US. However, Trump’s plan is that every American will receive the dividend if the Republicans hold their majorities in Congress.

“This likely would not be considered vote-buying since receiving the money would not be conditional on voting for specific candidates or a specific party,” says professor Jon C. Rogowski.

Rogowski is a professor in Political Science at the University of Chicago. He specializes in American Politics, and calls Trump’s money offer “an empty promise”.

Harmful to democracy, expert warns

“Offering money in exchange for votes is pernicious for democracy,” Rogowski says.

He explains that the dividend provides an inducement for voters to support candidates whom they otherwise might not support.

“In that sense, it suggests that elections are less free and fair than we might think,” the professor adds.

According to Rogowski, it is not unusual for politicians to promise financial benefits to voters. However, Trump's new pledge strikes him as different because it promises a cash award for re-electing Republican officeholders.

Unlikely to change voters' minds

Rogowski is skeptical that the offer will persuade people to change their votes. He adds that Trump has previously promised several other dividends that have not yet materialized.

The professor expects voters will discount the offer given Trump's unfulfilled past promises.

“But what Trump has done is successfully change the media focus away from the unpopular and unsuccessful war in Iran and worsening economic conditions in the US,” Rogowski says.

“Every moment the press writes or asks about the Trump dividend rather than the real challenges facing the country is a victory for Trump,” he adds.

The dividend is "nearly impossible" without Congress

When asked if he thinks Americans will see these 5,000 dollars anytime soon, the professor is clear in his response.

“It is almost certainly an empty promise, although Trump has many reasons to want Republicans to maintain control of Congress,” he says.

Rogowski explains it will be nearly impossible for Trump to issue the dividend without Congress. Even with an executive order, the plan is not self-executing, making Congressional approval hard to avoid.

“Trump would still need to find the money – more than one trillion dollars – to fund the dividend,” Rogowski says.