House Speaker Mike Johnson said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that Congress would “work” on President Donald Trump’s promise to give $5,000 to American adults if Republicans hold the House and Senate after the midterm elections, but he did not commit to ensuring the president’s proposal would be carried out. “I am committed that Congress will work on it and find consensus on it, like I have to do with everything else,” Johnson said, when asked if he would commit to keeping Trump’s promise. Johnson said “it takes some time.” pointing out the slim Republican majorities. “I never go out and make big commitments right off the bat because I have to work at it, and that’s what we do every day,” he said. “Yet President Trump promised that to voters,” moderator Kristen Welker said. “Aren’t you willing to double down on that promise?” Johnson responded: “I will work hand in hand with the president, as I do all the time, and we will deliver for the American people.” “That’s the promise,” he added. At the Republicans’ midterm convention in Dallas, Trump spoke both nights, promising the American people on Wednesday to issue $5,000 checks called the “Trump dividend” if Republicans do well in the midterm elections. The move raised concerns among Democrats, some Republicans and economic experts. Critics have characterized the president’s promise as an attempt to bribe voters and said the move would increase 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 don’t think so,” but added, “I think they will if we need to.” The proposal, if it comes to fruition, could increase the country’s enormous debt and increase inflation. Some Republicans, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have issued similar warnings. Sending $5,000 payments to every American adult could cost about $1.3 trillion. Asked why he would want to increase the national debt, Johnson said: “I don’t want to increase that.” He maintained that “we are not going to get into more debt if this idea is implemented.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said last week that the money would not be paid with taxpayer dollars. Instead, Lutnick said the administration could “make the money that Donald Trump wants to pay.” It’s unclear how this would work. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., dodged 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 get to it,” he said. Johnson also addressed the war with Iran, which shows no signs of being resolved anytime soon. Congress controls the country’s funding, but Republicans have largely shown themselves willing to provide the administration with the requested funds. Asked if the White House has a blank check to continue the war, Johnson said “no.” “The war does not continue,” he added. “What we’re trying to do now is resolve what has already been a huge success.” However, the United States and Iran have continued sporadic attacks, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains well below levels before the war began. Higher gas and oil prices show no signs of letting up. A recent NBC News poll found that 69% of American adults disapprove of the president’s handling of the war. The national average price of gasoline is $4.31 per gallon, which is an increase of $1.33 since the war began. Johnson acknowledged that “we have to make sure gas prices are low on planet Earth,” adding, “That’s what the president works on every day.” Last week, Trump told the Republican midterm convention that the war would “end very soon after the election.” Asked if 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.” but that’s now a little over 50 days away, so let’s be realistic about it,” he said, adding that the war was “a complex situation.” “We think it will be resolved soon,” he later added. “The president says it right after the election, and I certainly pray and hope that it does.”
