Trump’s election rhetoric raises fresh questions for Republicans – opinion

During a recent rally in Dallas, former US President Donald Trump urged his supporters to "cheat like hell" in the upcoming midterm elections and pledged a "Trump dividend" of $5,000 to all adult Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress. This offer, which sounds like a pay-to-play bribe, has raised legal questions and is being distanced by Republican lawmakers due to its estimated $1.2 trillion cost. Trump's rhetoric, including his calls to cheat and his repeated claims of election fraud, has led to concerns among GOP operatives that he may discourage Republican turnout, as seen in Georgia in 2020. His actions are viewed by some as an attempt to undermine public confidence in the electoral system.