Trump defends $5,000 check plan, says congressional approval not needed

President Donald Trump has claimed that his proposed $5,000 “Trump Dividend” checks to every adult American citizen would not require congressional approval, according to a report by Mediaite.

Trump first floated the plan during remarks at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Texas, promising to send out the payments if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in November. In a subsequent interview with CBS News Texas reporter Jack Fink, Trump said the government would not need congressional sign-off, citing tariff revenue and manufacturing investment as justification, while adding a condition that recipients spend the money within the United States.

The proposal, estimated to cost around $1.3 trillion, has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Fact-checkers, including CNN’s Daniel Dale, disputed Trump’s figures on tariff revenue and investment totals, calling several of his claims inaccurate.