Rewritten Article (Pro-Government Tone | English)

President Donald Trump defended his proposed $5,000 "Trump Dividend" during a tense exchange with reporters Thursday, insisting the initiative is designed to reward Americans for enduring years of economic hardship under the previous administration—not to influence voter turnout.

While speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One following the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas, ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott questioned why the administration was proposing direct payments while the national debt remains high.

Trump rejected the premise of the question, emphasizing that the proposed payment reflects what he described as the country's renewed economic strength.

"I didn't do it for turning out the vote. I did it as a reward for people having to put up with four years of a horrible situation caused by Biden," Trump said, pointing to border security, crime, and economic challenges inherited from the previous administration.

When Scott attempted to continue with a follow-up question, the president ended the exchange and criticized ABC News before moving on to other reporters. Video of the moment quickly spread across social media, generating widespread discussion.

The proposed Trump Dividend was unveiled during the Republican Midterm Convention, where Trump pledged that every adult American citizen would receive a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress following the 2026 midterm elections. According to the White House, the proposal would be funded by continued economic growth rather than tax increases, with the administration arguing that stronger revenues and expanding investment would make the plan possible.

Administration officials have described the proposal as a way to allow Americans to share in what they characterize as the country's economic success under Trump's leadership. Supporters view the plan as a dividend generated by a growing economy, while critics have questioned both its cost and how it would ultimately be financed.

Although the proposal has energized many supporters, it would still require additional legislative and budgetary steps before any payments could be distributed. Debate over the plan is expected to remain a major issue as the midterm election campaign continues.