In a televised interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress will “work through” President Donald Trump’s pledge to issue $5,000 checks to American adults, provided Republicans keep the House and Senate after the upcoming midterm elections.
“I commit that Congress will work through it and find consensus on that, like I have to do everything else,” Johnson said, noting that the GOP’s slim majorities mean the process will take time. He added, “I never go out and give big commitments on the front end because I’ve got to work through it, and that’s what we do every single day.”
Trump’s “Trump dividend” promise
At the Republican National Convention in Dallas, President Trump announced the “Trump dividend,” promising a $5,000 check to each adult voter if Republicans perform well in the midterms. Critics have called the proposal a voter‑bribe and warned it could fuel inflation.
When asked whether congressional approval would be required, Trump told CBS News, “we think not,” but added, “I think they will do it if we needed it.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to comment on Republican support for the measure.
War in Iran and economic concerns
Johnson also addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran, emphasizing that the United States does not have a “blank check” for the war. “The war is not continuing,” he said, noting recent successes while acknowledging that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains below pre‑war levels and gas prices stay high.
A recent NBC News poll showed 69% of U.S. adults disapprove of the president’s handling of the Iran conflict, and the national average gas price sits at $4.31 per gallon, up $1.33 since the war began. Johnson pledged to keep gas prices down, saying, “that’s what the president works on every single day.”
Looking ahead
Trump has said the war could end shortly after the election, and Johnson expressed confidence that a resolution is possible before the 2028 presidential election, adding, “I certainly pray and hope that’s right.” The discussion underscores the administration’s focus on delivering promised benefits to voters while navigating foreign‑policy challenges.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
