Trump’s $5,000 checks promise: Familiar, costly and impractical, experts sayLegal experts, economists and even Trump’s fellow Republicans say the plan faces a bevy of practical obstacles and long odds in Congress.The idea for the checks came from Trump himself, according to a person close to him. “It’s an idea he’s been floating for quite some time. It was his idea to put it in the speech,” they said. Justin Sullivan / Getty ImagesSept. 10, 2026, 6:14 PM EDTSeeking to rescue the Republican Party’s declining prospects in the 2026 elections, President Donald Trump made a familiar promise Wednesday: The government will send checks directly to Americans.Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.