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Donald Trump joked about Mar-a-Lago prices while promoting USD 5,000 cheques at a Texas rally. The pledge has sharpened debate over affordability, election inducements and its estimated trillion-dollar cost.
Washington,Oct 29, 2026 04:56 IST
US President Donald Trump joked that USD 5,000 would barely cover a hamburger and a small dessert at his luxury Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, even as the high cost of living remains a key issue ahead of next week's national elections, Press Trust of India reported.
Trump made the remark while campaigning for Republicans to retain control of both chambers of the US Congress. He has promised to send cheques worth USD 5,000 to every American adult if the party keeps control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
All 435 seats in the House and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will go to the polls on November 3. Republicans currently control both chambers. Congressional elections are held every two years, coinciding alternately with presidential elections and the middle of a presidential term.
At a campaign rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Tuesday, Trump urged supporters to spend the proposed USD 5,000 in Florida or elsewhere in the United States, as long as the money was not spent 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 USD 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. Press Trust of India reported that the response reflected the continued support for Trump among much of his Make America Great Again, or MAGA, base.
Democrats and some MAGA supporters have criticised the USD 5,000 proposal, describing it as an attempt to buy votes. They have also questioned whether it can be implemented, as it is estimated to cost USD 1.3 trillion and would require congressional approval.
A recent Pew Research Centre study found that 60 per cent of Americans said they did not earn enough to live the life they wanted, while 70 per cent said they had reduced discretionary spending, including eating out.
Trump has continued to say during his campaign that the economy is performing well and has dismissed concerns over affordability as an issue created by Democrats.
He also defended the decision to go to war with Iran, calling the sharp rise in petrol prices 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. "We're steering them all (energy companies) to Texas. We're steering them to Louisiana. Alaska is a big beneficiary."
Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Of the 35 seats being contested, 22 are held by Republicans and 13 by Democrats. Democrats must retain their 13 seats and win four more to take control of the Senate.
In the House, Republicans hold 218 seats, Democrats have 214 and an independent holds one. Two seats are vacant.
Americans will also elect governors in 36 of the country's 50 states. In Republican stronghold Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy is in a close contest against Democrat Amy Acton.
The November 3 elections will determine control of Congress and governorships across 36 states, with the cost of living, Trump's USD 5,000 proposal and the economy among the main campaign issues.
With PTI Inputs
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