Trump dangles $5,000 payout for midterm votes — critics immediately call it a 'bribe'

During President Donald Trump's GOP midterm convention speech, he promised to pay voters cash if the GOP wins the House and Senate.

"If the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000," Trump said. "We'll call it the Trump Dividend. Congratulations."

Trump made the announcement at a time when public polling suggests that Democrats have significant momentum going into the midterms. Analysts argued that Trump organizing the GOP convention in Dallas this week was a tacit admission that Republicans are in trouble.

Sam Stein, managing editor at The Bulwark, described the idea as a "bribe."

"Trump openly bribing people to vote for Republicans. $5k per person if republicans hold the House and the Senate?" Stein posted on X.