President Trump also updated his pledge to issue $5,000 payouts to all 316 million US citizens if Republicans win the House and Senate, a plan estimated to cost $1.58 trillion. The president added a new requirement that funds must be spent within the US and claimed tariff revenue would cover the cost, though such revenue is approximately $200 billion annually. Polling indicates 71% of people find it inappropriate to promise payments based on election results, and only 13% believe the payments will be issued. The administration is also distributing $500 refund checks to approximately 1 million former Obamacare recipients.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Republican Aides Fight Trump Medicare Payouts to Seniors
US Politics17 days ago
Internal conflict has emerged on Capitol Hill over the Trump administration's diversion of government funds to provide $90 one-time payments to more than 20 million seniors. A GOP aide reported that these funds, drawn from the Medicare Improvement Fund to offset Part B premiums, were originally earmarked for diabetes programs and community health centers. While the White House claims the move is a historic first in directly lowering costs for retirees, Democrats have questioned the legality of accessing these accounts shortly before the November elections.
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