President Trump campaign promise in North Carolina

President Trump repeated a campaign promise at an Oct. 20 rally in Greenville, North Carolina, stating, "Win Congress, get $5,000. Lose, get nothing." The report does not establish that these payments are an approved or funded program. Trump made the statement while supporting Republican Senate candidate Michael Whatley in the race for retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis’s seat. A Reuters/Ipsos survey recorded Trump’s approval rating at 31%, the lowest during his terms, with 68% of respondents disapproving of his handling of the economy. The Senate Leadership Fund stopped spending in North Carolina in October after polls showed Democrat and former Gov. Roy Cooper leading. Early voting data indicates registered Democrats have cast about twice as many ballots as registered Republicans. Reuters reported that voter dissatisfaction is linked to rising prices and the war in Iran. Trump also announced a proposed $1.5 billion Defense Department investment in North Carolina semiconductor production, though he did not specify the location or how the money would be spent.