House Speaker Mike Johnson told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that Congress would “work through” President Donald Trump’s promise to give $5,000 to American adults if Republicans keep the House and Senate after the midterm elections, but he did not commit to ensuring the president’s proposal was executed.
“I commit that Congress will work through it and find consensus on that, like I have to do everything else,” Johnson said, when asked whether he would commit to carrying out Trump’s promise.
Johnson said “it takes some time,” pointing to Republicans’ slim majorities.
“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,” he said.
“President Trump promised that to voters, though,” said moderator Kristen Welker. “You’re not willing to double down on that promise?”
Johnson replied, “I’ll work with the president hand in hand, as I do all the time, and we’ll deliver for the American people.”
“That’s the promise,” he added.
At Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas, Trump spoke on both nights, making a promise to the American people on Wednesday to issue $5,000 payments called the “Trump dividend” if Republicans do well in the midterms. The move sparked concerns from Democrats, some Republicans and economic experts. Critics have characterized the president’s promise as an attempt to bribe voters and said that the move would drive up inflation.
“So if the Republicans win, you win with us, and you get $5,000. It will be called the Trump dividend,” the president told attendees.
Asked later whether Congress would need to approve such a disbursement of funds, Trump told CBS News, “We think not,” but added: “I think they will do it if we needed it.”
Economic experts have warned that the proposal, if it comes to fruition, could add to the country’s towering debt and drive up inflation. Some Republicans, like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have issued similar warnings. Sending $5,000 payments to every U.S. adult could cost about $1.3 trillion.
Asked why he would want to add to the national debt, Johnson said, “I don’t want to add to that.” He argued that “we’re not going to get further in debt if this idea was implemented.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said last week that the money would not be paid for with taxpayer dollars. Instead, Lutnick said that the administration could “earn the money that Donald Trump wants to pay out.” It’s unclear how this would work.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., sidestepped a question Thursday on Fox News about whether congressional Republicans would support such a measure.
“Well, that’s a good question. And we’ll cross our bridge when we come to it,” he said.
Johnson also addressed the war with Iran, which shows no signs of resolving soon. Congress controls the nation’s funding, but Republicans have largely been willing to provide the administration with requested funds. Asked whether the White House has a blank check to continue the war, Johnson said “no.”
“The war is not continuing,” he added. “What we’re trying to do now is resolve what has already been a big success.”
The U.S. and Iran, though, have continued sporadic strikes, while shipping across the Strait of Hormuz remains far below the levels before the war began. Higher gas and oil prices show no signs of relenting. A recent NBC News poll found that 69% of U.S. adults disapprove of the president’s handling of the war.
The national average gas price sits at $4.31 per gallon, which is a $1.33 increase since the war began. Johnson acknowledged that “we got to make sure that gas prices are down at planet Earth,” adding: “That’s what the president works on every single day.”
Last week, Trump said at the Republican midterm convention that the war would “be over very shortly after the election.”
Asked whether he was confident the war would be over by the 2028 presidential election, Johnson said, “Of course, we certainly plan for that to be true.”
“And I would like it to be done, of course, today, certainly before the midterm election. But that’s just about a little more than 50 days away right now, and so we’re going to be realistic about this,” he said, adding that the war was “a complex situation.”
“We believe it’ll be resolved soon,” he added later. “The president says right after the election, and I certainly pray and hope that that’s right.”
