Trump calls $5,000 payouts 'easy' to fit into federal budget

But any such payment would need to be approved by Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said on Sunday. "Of course, the devil's in the details. We have to figure all that out," Johnson told CNN's "State of the Union."

Democratic politicians on Sunday morning talk shows panned the idea, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries telling ABC's "This Week" that it is not a "serious proposal."

Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow, citing the elimination of some Affordable Care Act subsidies, cast doubt on whether the promised $5,000 checks would be sent even if Republicans retain control of Congress.

"There was an ACA subsidy cancellation," McMorrow, a Democrat, said on CNN. "I think it was $1,000 we were supposed to get. So if you believe that you're going to get $5,000, I've got a bridge to sell you."