'$5,000 may not even buy a hamburger': Trump's Mar-a-Lago invitation comes with a pricey twist

US President Donald Trump made a risky joke that the $5,000 payment he has promised Americans would barely cover a hamburger and a small dessert at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, surprisingly drawing laughter and applause from supporters at a campaign rally in Texas.Trump made the remarks at a rally in Corpus Christi on Tuesday, urging supporters to spend the money in the United States rather than overseas. His comments came as the rising cost of living has emerged as a key issue ahead of the November 3 congressional elections. PTI reported.“Go to Florida, go to any one of our great places,” Trump said. “You could even come to Mar-a-Lago. I said it the other night. You’ll be my guest at Mar-a-Lago. The problem is that for USD 5,000, the most you’ll be able to buy is a hamburger and maybe a small dessert. I’m not even sure you could buy that. No, don’t go there. That’s not a good place if you’re price conscious.”The audience, however, responded with laughter and applause rather than taking offence at the joke, suggesting the loyal Maga base the President enjoys.The remarks came amid concerns over affordability, an issue that analysts say could affect the Republicans’ position in Congress.Trump has promised to send cheques worth $5,000 to every American adult if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress. The proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats and some supporters of the president, with critics questioning its feasibility and describing it as an attempt to influence voters.The estimated cost of the payments would be USD 1.3 trillion, according to the supplied estimate reported by PTI, and implementing the proposal would require congressional action.The elections on November 3 will determine all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate. Together, the two chambers make up the US Congress, where Republicans currently hold majorities in both.Congressional elections take place every two years. One coincides with the four-year presidential election, while the other is held midway through a president’s term.Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Of the 35 seats up for election, Republicans hold 22 and Democrats hold 13. Democrats would need to retain their 13 seats and win four additional seats to secure a majority.In the House of Representatives, Republicans hold 218 seats and Democrats 214, while one seat belongs to an independent. Two seats are vacant.Beyond the congressional races, voters will also elect governors in 36 states. In Ohio, a Republican stronghold, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is facing Democrat Amy Acton in a closely watched contest.A recent Pew Research Centre study, quoted by PTI, found that 60 per cent of Americans said they did not have enough income to live the life they wanted, while 70 per cent said they had cut back on discretionary spending, including eating out.Trump has continued to maintain that the US economy is performing well and has dismissed concerns about affordability as an issue invented by Democrats.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.