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Donald Trump joked that his proposed $5,000 cheque would barely buy a Mar-a-Lago meal. The pledge is intensifying debate over affordability, election tactics and its enormous cost.
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Washington,Oct 29, 2026 04:00 IST
US President Donald Trump has joked that $5,000 would barely cover a hamburger and a small dessert at his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Press Trust of India reported.
The remark came as the high cost of living has emerged as a key issue ahead of the November 3 elections, when Americans will vote for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 Senate seats.
Trump has promised to send cheques worth $5,000 to every American adult if the Republican Party retains control of both chambers of Congress. At a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, he urged supporters to spend the money in Florida or elsewhere in the United States rather than overseas.
“Go to Florida, go to any one of our great places,” Trump said. “You could even come to Mar-a-Lago. I said it the other night. You'll be my guest at Mar-a-Lago. The problem is that for $5,000, the most you'll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert. I'm not even sure you could buy that. No, don't go there. That's not a good place if you're price conscious.”
The crowd responded with laughter and applause. The joke came amid concerns that rising living costs could hurt the Republican Party's prospects of retaining control of Congress.
Democrats and some MAGA supporters have criticised the $5,000 proposal as an attempt to buy votes. They have also questioned whether it can be implemented, as it would require congressional approval and is estimated to cost $1.3 trillion.
A recent Pew Research Center study found that 60 per cent of Americans said they did not have enough income to lead the life they wanted. It also found that 70 per cent had reduced discretionary spending, including eating out.
Trump has continued to say during the campaign that the economy is performing well and has dismissed concerns about affordability as an issue created by Democrats.
He also defended the decision to go to war with Iran, describing the resulting sharp increase in petrol prices as a “small price to pay” for what he said was the thwarting of Iran's nuclear ambitions.
“Your country is making an absolute fortune because of the situation in the Middle East,” Trump said, according to Press Trust of India. “We're steering them all, energy companies, to Texas. We're steering them to Louisiana. Alaska is a big beneficiary.”
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Of the 35 Senate seats being contested, Republicans hold 22 and Democrats 13. Democrats must retain their 13 seats and win four more to take control of the chamber.
In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats, Democrats have 214 and an independent holds one seat. Two seats are vacant. Congressional elections are held every two years, alternating between presidential election years and the middle of a presidential term.
Americans will also elect governors in 36 of the country's 50 states. In the Republican stronghold of Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy is in a close contest against Democrat Amy Acton.
The November 3 vote will decide control of Congress and several state governments, with living costs, Trump's $5,000 proposal and the economic impact of the conflict with Iran among the main campaign issues.
With PTI Inputs
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