Trump ties big promises to GOP midterm election wins

President Trump’s growing list of promised “goodies” if Republicans win has become more niche the closer the country gets to the midterm elections.

Trump and the GOP are hoping his big promises to voters will get them out to the polls on Election Day in less than two weeks.

From payment of a $5,000 dividend to all Americans if Republicans win to dangling investments and settlements, these Trump promises have become a staple at his campaign stops.

The efforts have drawn skeptics who question if Trump’s big promises will work, are legal or will even happen.

“The problem that Trump faces right now is that no one believes him on ending the war. On lowering prices. On giving away money. None of it,” said a former White House official. “I’m not sure if it is hurting Republican candidates, but it certainly isn’t helping.” 

Trump has doubled down on some promises. He wrote in a Truth Social post last month, “When I say something, I mean it!” in regard to the dividend checks.

“I think there’s a fine line with going in and promoting what you’ve done for a district or for a state or what’s on the horizon for a district or for a state versus having it appear as a quid pro quo or worse,” said one Republican strategist. 

“We’ll just see if that’s enough to swing them or if they’re just going to focus back and bounce back to the economy and general corruption issues that are influencing them anyway,” the strategist said, adding, “personally for me, I don’t like it.” 

Michael Kang, a law professor at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, said it’s not bribery or a vote buying scheme.

“There’s no vote buying problem with that,” he said. “That’s just like saying, if you vote for us, we’re going to pass tax cuts and everyone’s going to get money back.”

The White House dismissed any criticism of the promises.

“The doomers and naysayers have consistently doubted President Trump:........

© The Hill