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US President Donald Trump’s pledge to issue $5,000 checks, announced at the Republicans’ national convention in Dallas, has caused confusion at the White House.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Trump discussed the issue with only a limited number of political advisers. The White House subsequently launched urgent work to determine the details and implementation mechanism of a proposal that could add more than $1 trillion to the budget burden.
A statement later issued by the White House did not specify the source that would finance the payments.
Trump said the funds could be provided through revenue generated by foreign trade tariffs.
However, estimates by independent institutions indicate that the new tariffs could cover only one-tenth of the cost.
Data from the Congressional Budget Office also show that such a payment could increase the risk of a major deficit in the federal budget.
Several Republican lawmakers and party economists have dismissed the idea, which was put forward ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November.
They said the proposal contradicts the Republican Party’s core economic principles.
Experts have criticized the pledge, which is reportedly intended to ease voter dissatisfaction over rising living costs and inflation, warning that it could widen the budget deficit and accelerate inflation.
It remains unclear whether congressional approval would be required to implement the proposal.
Trump’s allies and former party officials have warned that the move could be perceived as a form of political bribery.
The proposal comes amid broader debates in the United States over the impact of tariff policy on federal revenue, consumer prices and the budget deficit. Any direct payment program would likely require detailed legislation or administrative action defining eligibility, funding and oversight.
