Lutnick Defends Trump Dividend Funding with Visa Fees and Unrealized Gains

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has addressed concerns over President Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend for voters. When asked about funding sources, Lutnick stated that 'it's not tax money' and claimed the administration could 'earn the money' through other revenue streams.

Lutnick pointed to two potential sources: a Commerce Department visa program, dubbed the 'Trump Platinum Card,' which would charge wealthy foreigners $5 million for a 270-day visa extension. He also mentioned unrealized gains on Intel stock purchased with CHIPS Act funds, which are currently valued at around $50 billion.

Critics have questioned the proposal's legality and feasibility. Some argue that attaching cash to an electoral outcome constitutes a 'political bribe.' Economists have expressed skepticism about the plan, noting that one-off revenue ideas like fee programs or investment gains are unlikely to close a multitrillion-dollar funding gap.