Trump’s $5,000 Dividend: Who Pays?

 During another rambling free speech, Donald Trump promised a $5,000 cash “dividend” to every American if Republicans win in November. Trump has provided no detailed funding plan. But with roughly 350 million adult U.S. citizens, the price tag could approach $1.75 trillion, money that would have to come from somewhere.

It certainly won't come from corporations or the ultra-wealthy under a Republican administration. Corporate tax revenue for 2026 is projected at a paltry $400 billion, leaving everyday working families to foot the bill for Trump’s “dividend.”

Without taxing the rich or large corporations, funding this scheme would require the average taxpayer to pay roughly $7,500 in additional federal income taxes just to receive a $5,000 “dividend.”

There is a simple alternative. America’s 989 billionaires hold a combined $8.4 trillion in wealth. A wealth tax of 22% on these individuals, roughly the same tax rate paid by a family making $150,000 a year, would easily cover the entire $1.75 trillion cost without hitting everyday citizens.

But the larger question remains. Why don’t these 989 individuals have to pay a 22% federal wealth tax every year? That would raise enough money to wipe out the federal budget deficit caused by the disastrous One Big Beautiful (Bloated?) Bill every year.

Taxing 989 billionaires wouldn't change their lives, but it would change America. It would wipe out budget deficits, fund real relief for working families, and put an end to Trump’s reckless fiscal policy.

Republican leaders have a choice. Stand with everyday working families or shield 989 billionaires at all costs.