RismadarVoice Reporters
September 13, 2026
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Congress will work with President Donald Trump to pursue his proposed $5,000 payments to American adults if Republicans retain control of both chambers after the midterm elections.
Mr Johnson, however, stopped short of guaranteeing that the payments would be made, saying the proposal would require Congress to work through the details and reach a consensus.
Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mr Johnson said he would work closely with Mr Trump on the proposal if Republicans maintain their congressional majorities.
“I’ll work with the president hand in hand, as I do all the time, and we’ll deliver for the American people,” he said.
The speaker noted that implementing such a programme could take time, particularly given the Republicans’ narrow majorities in Congress.
He said he was reluctant to make firm commitments before lawmakers had considered the proposal and reached an agreement.
Mr Trump unveiled the proposed payments, which he called the “Trump dividend”, during a Republican convention in Dallas.
The president said Americans could receive $5,000 if Republicans perform strongly in the midterm elections.
The proposal has attracted criticism from Democrats, some Republicans and economists, with opponents questioning its economic implications and warning that large-scale payments could contribute to inflation.
Mr Trump has also suggested that congressional approval may not necessarily be required for the payments, although he acknowledged that lawmakers could approve the plan if necessary.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has similarly avoided committing congressional Republicans to supporting the proposal, saying lawmakers would address the issue when it comes before them.
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson also addressed the ongoing US-Iran conflict during the interview.
Asked whether the White House effectively had unlimited congressional funding to continue the war, he rejected the suggestion, saying the conflict was not continuing and that efforts were focused on resolving the situation.
His comments came amid continued sporadic strikes and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while rising oil and petrol prices have added to economic concerns in the US.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the need to bring fuel prices down, saying the issue remained a priority for the Trump administration.
He also expressed hope that the conflict would be resolved soon, preferably before the November midterm elections, while acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
