Donald Trump has promised to give $5,000 to every adult if Republicans win the election, according to NRK. The Norwegian broadcaster reported the pledge on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
The promise drew immediate criticism from other Norwegian outlets. Dagbladet described it as an attempt to buy votes, while Nettavisen called the move desperate. An expert quoted by adressa.no went further, labelling the pledge both desperate and pathetic.
The reaction across Norwegian media was uniformly negative, with several outlets framing the proposal as an act of political desperation rather than serious policy. Aftenposten, meanwhile, published a separate piece examining why Trump's loyal supporters remain satisfied with him, suggesting his base's loyalty persists despite — or perhaps because of — such announcements.
No details were provided in the reporting about how the payments would be funded, whether they would be one-time or recurring, or what eligibility rules would apply. The coverage focused on the pledge itself and the critical response it generated in Norway.
The episode highlights how Trump's campaign messaging continues to generate strong reactions abroad, particularly in countries where his style of politics is viewed with scepticism. Norwegian commentators treated the proposal as further evidence of a transactional approach to electoral politics.
What to watch next: whether the Trump campaign provides any detail on the mechanics or cost of the proposed payments, and how the pledge shapes coverage as the election approaches.
