President Donald Trump on Wednesday rejected suggestions that a series of proposed cash payments and benefits announcements ahead of the midterm elections are politically motivated, arguing instead that they reflect what he described as a rapidly expanding U.S. economy. "We have tremendous growth. We have the greatest growth of any country maybe ever in history," Trump said.
"We're able to do things that the Democrats can't because they would have not been able to use tariffs so wisely like we need." The question came after the White House highlighted several initiatives in recent weeks, including $500 payments to some Affordable Care Act enrollees, $90 checks for certain seniors, a proposed $5,000 payment tied to Republicans retaining control of Congress, and Wednesday's announcement of automatic enrollment in Trump Accounts for children. Trump has consistently framed his $5,000 check announcement as a choice between cash and economic collapse. Trump said Democratic policies would increase taxes, damage the economy, and cause a “disaster.” “If the Democrats win, you will have an economic depression, much like 1929,” he said.
Adult citizens would qualify under Trump’s description, although no legislation, eligibility rules, funding authorization, or payment schedule has been provided. Trump's $5,000 proposal has especially drawn criticism from Democrats. Appearing on CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona accused the president of attempting to "buy votes" by tying the proposed payments to Republicans retaining control of Congress after the midterms.
While acknowledging that some Americans could benefit from financial relief, Kelly said voters should view the offer skeptically, calling it "a payoff." This is a breaking news article. Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Samantha Beech and Sam Wilson.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
