Trump Dangles $5,000 Rebates
In an election-year pledge, reminiscent of the old-style Democratic moves by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President Donald Trump is pledging to give every eligible American adult a $5,000 rebate, providing the Republicans can retain both chambers of the Congress.
Some restrictions will apply. For instance, Vice President J.D. Vance has suggested that the wealthiest Americans might be excluded. Also likely to be excluded: Illegal aliens. Trump held out the pledge at the Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
He also announced he is seeking major changes in the way the 2030 U.S. Census is conducted. Under his plan, illegal aliens and non-permanent legal residents would not be counted as part of the population used to decide House apportionment. This would significantly reduce the number of seats given states like California and New York, while raising totals for red states.
Opponents argue the 14th Amendment requires apportionment based on the “whole number of persons” in each state. The proposal is open for public comment and is expected to face significant legal challenges. Here’s more from Stephen Gardner. He also touches upon plans by Trump and Elon Musk to spend heavily on behalf of Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections.
