RismadarVoice Reporters
September 20, 2026
President Donald Trump has stepped up his political rhetoric and policy announcements as the United States heads towards the 2026 midterm elections, making a series of controversial statements and proposals that have drawn scrutiny from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Among the issues generating attention are his proposal to give $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans retain control of Congress, remarks linking federal disaster assistance to electoral outcomes, an unsupported claim that the 2024 assassination attempt against him was part of a Democratic plot, and his decision to restrict access to the White House for several news organisations.
Trump announced the proposed $5,000 payment, which he has called a “Trump Dividend”, at a Republican midterm convention in September.
The White House has described the proposal as a dividend made possible by the strength of the US economy. Trump has tied the payment explicitly to Republicans retaining control of both the House of Representatives and Senate.
The proposal has, however, faced questions over its cost and legal and legislative requirements. Several Republican senators have also expressed reservations about the plan, with some questioning how it would be funded.
Trump also drew criticism after remarks at a campaign event in North Carolina in which he suggested that additional federal disaster assistance could depend on the state’s choice of senator.
He subsequently said he was joking
The comments came as North Carolina continues to deal with the effects of Hurricane Helene, which caused extensive damage in the state in 2024. Trump has previously faced scrutiny over the distribution of federal disaster assistance and his administration’s treatment of states and local governments.
Trump has also claimed, without providing evidence, that the 2024 assassination attempt against him at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a “Democrat Plot” intended to remove him from the election.
FBI Director Kash Patel told a Senate committee that investigators had found no evidence that the suspected gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was communicating with anyone other than his parents. Recent reporting has also said investigators have continued looking for a motive without finding evidence of a wider political conspiracy.
The administration has also escalated its confrontation with sections of the US media.
Trump announced on September 18 that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from White House access, accusing the organisations of unfair coverage.
The decision was implemented the following day, with journalists from the three outlets denied access and, in some cases, having their White House press credentials confiscated. The organisations have disputed the administration’s justification and raised concerns about press freedom.
The move has added to an increasingly contentious relationship between Trump’s administration and news organisations that have frequently criticised his policies and conduct.
Trump has also continued to clash with institutions over issues including the Federal Reserve, trade policy and tCentrenedy Center.
He has repeatedly pressed for lower interest rates and has threatened broad trade restrictions against countries with which the United States runs trade deficits.
His administration is also involved in a dispute over his effort to have his name added to the Kennedy Centre, with Trump indicating that the institution could face consequences if courts prevent the change.
Taken together, the developments have placed Trump’s personal political style and his approach to governing at the centre of public debate as the November midterm elections approach.
The elections will determine control of both chambers, allowing voters the opportunity to assess the Republican administration and the performance of its congressional allies.
