Trump pledges US$90 million payment to Medicare seniors

Former US president Donald Trump has pledged to distribute US$90 million to approximately 20 million seniors enrolled in the Medicare programme, signalling continued efforts to appeal to elderly voters as the midterm election season intensifies.

The announcement represents the latest in a series of financial commitments Trump has made to various voter groups in the lead-up to the November elections. The pledge underscores the competitive nature of US midterm campaigning, with both major parties seeking to consolidate support among key demographics including senior citizens.

Medicare, the federal health insurance programme established in 1965, primarily serves Americans aged 65 and older and has long been a focal point in US political campaigns. Senior voters constitute a significant portion of the electorate, particularly in midterm elections where voter turnout among older Americans typically exceeds that of younger age groups.

The proposed payment would amount to approximately US$4.50 per beneficiary, contingent on the Republican party's performance in the upcoming elections and any subsequent legislative priorities. Trump's campaign has positioned such financial announcements as part of a broader economic agenda aimed at supporting American households facing inflationary pressures.