Trump made the proposal while addressing the Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas, although it remained unclear how the payments would be funded or whether such a plan would be legally possible.

With about 270 million adults in the United States, the proposed payments could cost roughly $1.35 trillion.

During a 105-minute speech, Trump placed himself at the centre of the midterm campaign, claiming he had delivered “the greatest two years in the history of the presidency”.

He urged Republican voters to support his party and warned that handing control of Congress to Democrats would damage the country’s future.

Trump’s strong focus on the election comes as opinion polls show declining approval ratings and growing voter concerns over the cost of living and the ongoing war with Iran.

Republicans rally behind Trump

The two-day convention highlights how closely Republican electoral prospects remain tied to Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters informally dubbed the gathering “Trumpapalooza”, reflecting the president’s dominant role at the event.

Trump said he planned to visit battleground states and competitive congressional districts repeatedly in the eight weeks leading up to Election Day.

“I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” he told supporters.

The strategy presents a challenge for Republican candidates in competitive races. While some may need to distance themselves from Trump to attract independent and swing voters, they also risk losing support from his core political base.

Several Republicans facing difficult races skipped the convention, while at least 16 candidates in competitive House and Senate contests were scheduled to address the gathering.

Democrats attacked as ‘socialists’

Although Republican officials had said the convention would showcase Trump’s policies, several speakers focused heavily on attacking Democrats, particularly over transgender athletes, immigration and border security.

The war with Iran and the rising cost of living received comparatively less attention despite being major concerns among voters.

Trump defended the decision to launch military strikes against Iran, saying the action was intended to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon.

He also predicted that oil prices would fall sharply once the war ended, while promising that the conflict would conclude soon.

However, the war has continued for more than six months since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, while analysts have questioned whether Iran’s nuclear programme has been eliminated. Tehran denies seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.

Several Republican speakers described Democrats as “socialists” and “communists”, repeating attacks frequently used by Trump and his allies.

Midterms pose risks for Republicans

The November elections are expected to be closely watched, with Republicans facing the possibility of losing control of at least one chamber of Congress.

Polling has indicated stronger motivation among Democratic voters, while Trump’s approval ratings remain under pressure.

The Republican convention was also held as the new NFL season began, creating competition for television audiences.

Republicans nonetheless view the gathering as an opportunity to energise their supporters, promote candidates and defend Trump’s record ahead of the midterms.

Trump has also predicted that the war with Iran will end immediately after the November elections, arguing that Tehran is attempting to influence the vote but cannot withstand continued US economic pressure.