TRUMP PROMISES $5,000 "DIVIDEND" TO AMERICANS AND WARNS OF POSSIBLE ECONOMIC CRISIS IF DEMOCRATS WIN
U.S. President Donald Trump has once again put the economy at the center of American political debate by promising a $5,000 payment to every adult citizen if the Republican Party manages to keep control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
During an address to Americans, Trump presented the measure as a "dividend" resulting from his administration's economic performance and the revenue obtained through trade tariffs. According to the president, Republicans would be in a better position to turn that revenue into direct benefits for the population.
Trump said Republicans "can do it," while Democrats would not have the same ability, claiming his administration is collecting "enormous amounts of money" through tariffs and through an economic performance he described as historic.
In the president's assessment, a Democratic victory in the legislative elections could bring a radical change in U.S. economic policy. Trump accused Democrats of wanting to raise taxes and warned that this could undermine the country's economic growth.
The president even drew a historical comparison to reinforce his warning. According to Trump, if Democrats regain control of Congress, the United States could face an economic depression similar to that of 1929. On the other hand, he said a Republican victory would pave the way for the $5,000 payment to adults and for a period of unprecedented economic growth.
The promise, however, represents a very large financial commitment and has already raised questions within the Republican Party itself about the cost and the way the proposal would be implemented. The measure would also depend on legislative approval to be carried out.
TRUMP KEEPS NEXT STEP IN IRAN CONFLICT A MYSTERY
Amid the economic and electoral discussions, Trump was also asked by reporters about the situation in Iran and what his administration's next step in the conflict would be.
When asked directly, "What will your next step be regarding Iran?", Trump avoided revealing details of the American strategy.
"If I told you, it would be big news, right? But you'll see. It's working very well. Iran is not doing well," the president replied.
The statement did not clarify whether Washington is preparing new military action, stepping up pressure on Tehran, or launching a new diplomatic initiative. Trump also gave no timeline for the United States' next moves.
In the same conversation with reporters, the president said the conflict should not drag on for long and linked an eventual end to the war with a drop in oil prices. According to Trump, the United States will have "a lot of oil" available once the situation with Iran is over.
TRUMP FOLLOWS ELECTIONS IN BRAZIL
During his travels, Trump was also asked about the Brazilian elections and about the possibility of expressing support for Flávio Bolsonaro.
The American president said his administration is closely following the Brazilian electoral process, but avoided declaring direct support for the candidate.
"We're looking at the situation as a whole. We're following that election very closely," Trump said.
The statements place the Brazilian elections among the international issues being monitored by the White House, as the American president focuses a significant part of his agenda on the economy, the midterm elections, and the conflict with Iran.
With the U.S. legislative elections approaching, Trump is seeking to frame the contest for Congress as a choice between the continuation of his economic policies and what he describes as the risk of higher taxes, slower growth, and a possible economic crisis under Democratic leadership.