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Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science, Amherst College

How anti-bribery laws apply to Trump’s promise of $5,000 payments if Republicans keep control of Congress

President Donald Trump speaks at the RNC midterm convention in Dallas on Sept. 9, 2026. Eric Lee/Pool photo via AP

In his keynote address to the Republican midterm convention on Sept. 9, 2026, President Donald Trump promised that if Republicans retain control of Congress in November, he would authorize a US$5,000 payment to every American adult.

Trump’s offer seems to run afoul of federal laws, which make it a crime to pay for votes.

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