Trump predicts blame if GOP loses midterms, promises $5,000 checks if it wins
At a Tennessee rally, President Donald Trump said he expects to be blamed if Republicans lose the midterm elections, while predicting he would get little credit if they win. He urged supporters to vote and repeated a promise to send $5,000 checks to adults if the GOP keeps control of Congress, a plan estimated to cost $1.3 trillion. Trump has been campaigning heavily across states, though he canceled a planned trip to Alabama because of Hurricane Isaias.
At a Clarksville, Tennessee rally, President Donald Trump told supporters he would likely shoulder blame if Republicans lose the midterms, yet receive little recognition if they prevail. He pressed them to turn out and repeated a pledge of $5,000 payments to adults should the GOP retain Congress, a proposal with an estimated $1.3 trillion cost.
Trump has campaigned across seven states since October began. He scrapped a planned Alabama trip because Hurricane Isaias approached. Polling cited by NBC News averaged 38% approval and 59% disapproval. Historically, the president’s party often struggles in midterm contests.
The election outcome could shape how voters assign responsibility for Congress and the presidency, affecting Republican candidates and Trump’s standing. A promised $5,000 payment may influence turnout and expectations about federal spending, while its estimated $1.3 trillion cost could intensify debates over deficits and taxes. Rally enthusiasm may mobilize supporters, and disapproval could motivate opponents, so the contest may affect how people view accountability and economic policy.