Trump goes silent on his $5,000 check promise

National PoliticsPresident Donald Trump promised to distribute a $5,000 check to every U.S. adults if Republicans kept their majorities in Congress. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP Photo/Alex BrandonPresident Donald Trump has yet to address where some of his midterm promises stand — including the $5,000 checks. In the lead-up to the midterm elections, the president repeatedly said he would give a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult if Republicans kept control of Congress.But after the GOP’s sweeping losses last week, Trump has yet to comment on whether there is a chance the pledge can still happen.White House spokesperson Matthew Middleton dodged questions about the payment, telling CNN Friday that Trump will “work with anyone willing to advance solutions that strengthen our economy.” “We hope Democrats will put the American people first and join us in that effort,” Middleton said in a statement.When asked whether Trump has scrapped the $5,000 checks, the White House did not offer a reply.It comes as Trump, in the days after the election, hasn’t commented on any promises he made on the campaign trail during his public appearances or been questioned about them by reporters.Those promises include his claims that he will invest in a drug manufacturing facility in Kentucky, consider bringing the Space Academy to Ohio and settle water contamination lawsuits in North Carolina, among others.Trump has frequently said that only Republicans can deliver on the payments. He suggested the $1.2 trillion estimated cost could come from tariffs and U.S. investments during his second term.With money already in hand, it’s unclear if Trump will disperse the payments anyway.Fox News host Laura Ingraham asked Trump in September why he wouldn’t distribute the checks right away, to which he criticized Democrats, saying they “can’t do it” and would lead to “negative growth.”Rachel Cohen covers national politics as a reporter for Advance Local, focusing on President Donald Trump's second term and Congress. She previously worked as a trending political reporter for NJ.com. Her work...