Trump sends $130 to 20m Medicare seniors ahead of midterm vote
Trump announced a one-time US$90 (AUD $130) payment to more than 20 million Medicare seniors in early October, timed for midterm elections.
Trump announced the payments will come from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Congress allocated $US2 billion to. Most seniors will get direct deposits, while those without bank details will get cheques.
Trump earlier promised $US5,000 cheques to all adults if Republicans keep Congress, a pledge economists and some Republicans called unrealistic. The administration is also sending $US500 refunds to nearly one million people for Affordable Care Act fees.
Trump's approval rating has been low. Voters blame him for high living costs, made worse by oil prices spiking during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Why it mattersFederal cash is being directed to voters just before the November election to boost the Republican Party's chances of keeping control of Congress.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though Trump's re-election success could influence global markets and US policy affecting trade partners.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
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