Trump announces a new ‘slush fund’ to send checks to 20 million Americans

President Donald Trump says his administration will send a one-time payment of $90 to more than 20 million Medicare enrollees early this month, a move announced just over a month before midterm elections that will decide control of Congress. In a Truth Social post, Trump described the money as "checks" of nearly $100, though a White House release put the figure at $90. Most recipients will get it by direct deposit, with the rest receiving checks, according to The Independent.

The administration says the money will be drawn from the Medicare Improvement Fund, which Trump characterized as a wasteful account Democrats used to benefit special interests. Most people with Medicare Part B qualify. Those whose premiums Medicaid already covers, and enrollees paying an income-related surcharge, are excluded, according to the White House.

The Independent reports that the standard Part B premium is $202.90 monthly in 2026, so $90 would not even cover half of a single month. Trump has also floated a $5,000 payment for every adult citizen if Republicans keep both chambers, saying he needs no approval from Congress. He says the Medicare payments are separate from that pledge.

Summarized by PolitiKool from The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at The Independent →