Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the House Financial Services Committee that officials are actively examining whether the Trump administration can issue a $5,000 dividend without congressional approval and structure it without increasing the federal deficit. He said the proposal has been under development for an extended period but did not explain how it would be financed. If executive action is legally unworkable, Bessent said he would seek legislation with House Speaker Mike Johnson. President Donald Trump unveiled the proposal at a Republican gathering in Dallas, promising a $5,000 Trump Dividend for every American if Republicans win the midterm elections and retain control of both chambers of Congress. Analysts estimate that a $5,000 payment to every adult would cost about $1.3 trillion, as U.S. national debt exceeds $40 trillion and the annual deficit is projected to approach $2 trillion. The debate comes as the 10-year Treasury yield reaches its highest level since 2007, inflation remains persistent and markets price a near-92% probability of an interest-rate adjustment at the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision. Major equity ETFs declined, the long-term Treasury ETF fell, and a Stocktwits poll showed 79% of retail traders doubted the payments would be issued.