US President Donald Trump [Getty Images]
US President Donald Trump [Getty Images]

House Speaker Mike Johnson, widely regarded as a Trump loyalist, made clear that Donald Trump's campaign pledge to pay every American adult $5,000 if Republicans win the midterm elections in November would require congressional deliberation and approval.

Johnson appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday (local time) and addressed the so-called "Trump dividend" — Trump's promise of a $5,000 per-person payment — saying, "I promise you that Congress will work through this issue and find a consensus, just like everything else," Yonhap reported.

On whether the pledge would be carried out, Johnson said, "I don't go out front and make big proclamations," adding that it was because "we have to work through the issues."

When the host pressed him on whether he was actively backing the dividend pledge, Johnson said, "I'm going to work closely with the president, as I always have," and that he would "work for the American people."

Trump had made the promise at the Republican midterm election convention in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 9, saying, "If Republicans win the House and the Senate, every adult citizen in America will receive a $5,000 dividend."

The pledge immediately sparked controversy over its fiscal implications and feasibility.

The Democratic Party has kept up sharp criticism, raising questions about its legality, among other concerns. Dissenting voices have also emerged from within the Republican Party and conservative circles.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, considered a potential presidential contender within the Republican Party, warned that the dividend payments could fuel inflation. Republican lawmakers Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Chip Roy of Texas also voiced opposition, citing economic costs, feasibility and appropriateness.

Trump: 'I always keep my promises'

Trump, who was visiting Ireland at the time, pushed back and told reporters at his Doonbeg golf course that he would follow through on the pledge.

Asked whether he thought the "Trump dividend" would need congressional approval, Trump said, "I don't know, but if the Republicans win, it'll be easy enough," Yonhap reported.

"We can easily afford it because we're making enormous amounts of money," he said. "I made a promise, and I always keep my promises."

Meanwhile, Trump also claimed that day that the war with Iran would end "right after the midterms, maybe even before," saying, "Iran desperately wants to negotiate. They're calling all the time."

"They want a deal. They have to make the right deal," Trump said. "I'm not going to make a bad deal. Ultimately, we'll get out of Iran — unless we decide to stay and take the oil, like Venezuela."


yul@heraldcorp.com