Trump appears to endorse $5K baby bonus for new mothers as part of effort to boost US birth rate

President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to endorse giving new mothers a financial bonus of up to $5,000 per delivery, after a report indicated the White House was mulling the idea to help curb declining U.S. birth rates. 

The prospect was first reported by the New York Times on Monday, which claimed White House aides were contemplating how to best convince Americans to have more children. Another suggestion was to designate 30% of all Fulbright scholarships for applicants who are married or have children.

Trump appeared on board with the cash incentive idea, telling reporters in the Oval Office that it “sounds like a good idea to me,” according to the New York Post.

Birth rates in the United States have been declining for decades, but 2023 hit a new low with just under 3.6 million babies born that year, the outlet reported. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a slight boost in pregnancies.

The White House has not publicly commented on how it will help boost birth rates, but White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is committed to implementing policies that support American families.

"The President wants America to be a country where all children can safely grow up and achieve the American dream,” she told the New York Times. “As a mother myself, I am proud to work for a president who is taking significant action to leave a better country for the next generation.” 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.