Trump pushes $5,000 dividend pledge as RNC convention wraps

DALLAS (Gray DC) - The Republican National Committee’s midterm convention continued on Thursday in Dallas, where lawmakers and other attendees spoke out about President Trump’s new $5,000 dividend pledge.

“If the Republicans win the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, both of them, because of our economic Tremendous economic success. I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5000,” Trump said during his keynote address on Wednesday night.

The $5,000 pledge from Trump on Wednesday was met with skepticism among some party members and would likely require congressional approval.

Some Republicans, including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), spoke positively of the proposal but said it needed further review.

“I want to look at the proposal, because last night was the first we heard about it. But the general principle and the president’s right,” Jordan said.

Affordability remains a top issue in the midterms for both major parties. Part of the purpose of the convention is to highlight Republicans efforts to address it.

“That’s one of the primary reasons we’re having this,” said Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.). “To make sure that the American public knows that we’ve been working so hard for them over the last year and a half or so. You have to think about this. Americans don’t know that there’s no tax on tips, no tax on overtime.”

Political analysts, including veteran pollster Frank Luntz, said highlighting Trump is intended to mobilize his supporters but is unlikely to sway swing voters.

Democrats in Dallas believe the Republican pitch will not resonate with voters.

“I think what’s important to know, and the American people are feeling is, for the first time ever, in August, we had gasoline at $4 or higher for every day of that month,” said Tim Hogan, Democratic National Committee Advisor. “Grocery prices are skyrocketing. Trump and Republicans, they don’t have a plan, and the American people aren’t buying it.”