Trump’s $5,000 Check Promise: “Vote Republican or Lose Everything”

DALLAS — President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult citizen if Republicans win the November midterm elections. He said the money must be spent in the United States, “not in Canada.” Trump made the promise during a nearly two-hour speech at the Republican convention in Dallas. It was his first of two speeches at the event, held 55 days before the November 3 legislative elections. “When I’m on the ballot, Republicans do well,” Trump said. “I’ve won the presidency three times.” He repeated his claim of election fraud in 2020, a claim that has never been proven. Trump also said midterm elections usually go badly for the party in the White House. “We have to change that,” he said. “Make it look like I’m running. This is one of the most important elections of our lives.” He warned of what he said would happen if Republicans lose. “You will lose your safety, your wealth, your borders. The country will go to hell. They will laugh at us again.” Trump said there are 34 competitive districts and that he will campaign in those states to win them. **A Convention of Loyalty to Trump** The Dallas convention is the first time in nearly 50 years that a major party has held a two-day convention before midterm elections. Speakers included government officials, party leaders, and grassroots activists. All expressed strong loyalty to Trump and his agenda. The event featured strong criticism of Democrats and socialism. Speakers repeatedly called Democratic candidates “communists” and “radicals.” Steve Scalise, the House Majority Leader, said: “The Democratic Party has been taken over by crazy communists. They want open borders so illegal immigrants can vote.” Tom Emmer, the Republican House leader, said: “There is nothing democratic about socialism. They are communists, anarchists, and they hate our country.” Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina named two Democratic Senate candidates as top targets: Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan and James Talarico of Texas. Scott said El-Sayed “flirts with terrorists” and claimed he said the U.S. deserved the 9/11 attacks. El-Sayed actually wrote in a deleted 2021 tweet that he mourned the victims of 9/11 and also mourned victims of U.S. military actions in three countries. Scott also criticized Talarico, saying he believes “there are six genders” and that “God is non-binary.” Talarico responded: “I was being provocative. You cannot use human categories to define God. That is not theologically controversial.” **Border Security and Migration** Border security was a major theme. Wanda Liptow, who moved from Wisconsin to the Mexico border, spoke about supporting border forces. “We have secured the border. God bless Donald Trump,” she said. The convention also honored Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator killed one year ago. Trump said “left-wing extremism killed Charlie Kirk,” though there is no evidence linking the accused man, Tyler Robinson, to left-wing extremism. The crowd chanted “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie” as cameras showed Kirk’s widow, Erica Kirk. Trump also repeated false claims about renewable energy, calling it a “scam.” He said prices are falling fast and that the U.S. controls the Strait of Hormuz, which he said “should be called the Trump Strait.” The convention showed a party that has fully embraced Trump’s agenda, with speakers attacking Democrats and promising to “defeat communism” in November.