Trump's $5,000 Dividend Plan: Lutnick Clarifies Funding Source
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has clarified that President Donald Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults would not be funded by taxpayer money or add to the federal deficit.
Lutnick pointed out that the administration plans to tap revenue from a new visa program for wealthy foreigners and gains on government-owned stock.
He cited the Commerce Department's Trump Platinum Card program, which charges $5 million per application for an extended US visa, as one potential source of funding. Lutnick stated that over 100,000 people are already waiting to participate in this program, which could generate around $500 billion if all applicants pay.
Another possible revenue stream is the federal government's investment in Intel, where the administration purchased about 500 million shares at $20 each using CHIPS Act funds. The stock has since risen above $100, but the government has not sold its shares, resulting in an unrealized gain.