It seems the formula for winning elections in India has caught the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections, Trump has decided to distribute “freebies” in America, mirroring tactics commonly used in Indian politics.
Freebies for Service Members
In a recent announcement, President Trump declared that 1.45 million U.S. service members will receive $1,776 each—approximately ₹1.6 lakh—just before Christmas. The initiative, named the “Warrior Dividend,” is reportedly funded from revenues generated through tariffs. Trump’s gesture aims to reduce financial pressure on military families and is being seen as a strategic pre-election move.
Trump’s Timing
The timing of this announcement is significant. With mid-term elections scheduled for March 2026, Trump’s popularity has been waning, and political analysts view the “freebie” initiative as an attempt to safeguard votes and rally support. Whether it will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen.
Understanding U.S. Mid-Term Elections
Mid-term elections in the United States determine the composition of Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. While the President is elected for a four-year term, mid-term elections occur every two years. The House decides which bills will be voted on, while the Senate can approve, block, or review presidential appointments, making these elections crucial for legislative balance.
A Precedent in Freebies
Trump is not the first U.S. politician to adopt such measures. In New York, mayoral candidate Joharan Mamdani had promised similar “freebies” before elections, which helped him secure a historic victory. His promises included:
- Freezing rents for nearly one million tenants in New York City apartments.
- Free public transport on all city buses, easing financial burdens.
- Free childcare for children aged six weeks to five years, with salaries for childcare workers aligned with public school teachers.
- Expansion of grocery stores offering goods at wholesale prices to combat rising food costs.
- Gradual increase of minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030.
America’s High-Cost Healthcare
Despite higher average incomes, Americans face steep expenses, particularly in healthcare. Medical services and medicines are among the most expensive globally, and without health insurance, many citizens struggle to cover medical bills. Trump’s “Warrior Dividend” may partially ease these financial pressures on service members during the holiday season.
Conclusion
By adopting an “India-style” pre-election strategy of distributing direct financial benefits, Trump is signaling a pragmatic, voter-focused approach. The coming mid-term elections will reveal whether this tactic strengthens his political standing.
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