CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — President Donald Trump brought his midterm message to Tennessee on Saturday, telling a crowd at F & M Bank Arena that adult citizens would get $5,000 a year if Republicans win the House and Senate in November.
The rally for Tennessee Republican candidates drew supporters, protesters and several of the state’s top Republicans. Some supporters began lining up as early as 9 p.m. Friday, and musician Kid Rock and Republican leaders spoke before the president.
Trump said tariff revenue would pay for the yearly payments and later put the cost at about $1 trillion. He did not say who would qualify, when payments would start or how the government would send them out.
He spoke directly to Tennessee farmers and small-business owners, saying he had ended the estate tax on farms and small businesses. The federal estate tax remains in place, though the IRS sets the basic exclusion for 2026 at $15 million per person, which shields many estates.
Much of the speech defended tariffs and promoted new investment in factories, auto plants and drug companies. He praised the Memphis Safe Task Force and said it had removed thousands of dangerous offenders from that city, without offering documentation during the speech.
He also strayed from his prepared remarks at points, recalling campaign rallies held by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden during the COVID-19 pandemic and joking that his wife disapproves of his speaking style.
The visit puts a national spotlight on Tennessee races as both parties work to turn out voters. Early voting in Tennessee begins Tuesday, and Election Day is Nov. 3.
