In an effort to boost America’s birth rate, which has been in decline over the years, the Trump administration is exploring innovative ways to persuade people to marry and have children. One such proposal gaining traction is a one-time payment of $5,000 to every American mother after she gives birth. The idea was met with approval from President Donald Trump himself when he was asked about it, echoing his commitment to policies that uplift American families.
The administration has received various proposals aimed at encouraging procreation, and while no final decisions have been made on these ideas, the White House is actively considering them. In addition to the $5,000 baby bonus, another proposal pitched to advisors involves awarding a “National Medal of Motherhood” to mothers with six or more children, as well as exempting married couples from paying taxes for getting hitched.
This push for more babies is not new and has been championed by both President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. During his 2024 campaign, Vance advocated for expanding the child tax credit, stating that he would love to see it reach $5,000 per child. In a speech at the March for Life in January, Vance emphasized the importance of supporting families and encouraged the government to make it easier for young parents to care for their children.
Pro-natalists Simone Collins and her husband Malcolm have submitted draft executive orders to the White House Domestic Policy Council, outlining various incentives aimed at boosting the birth rate. While some, like MomsRising CEO Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, have criticized these proposals as “sheer lunacy” that would be counterproductive and coercive, others see them as a necessary step in promoting family values.
In a press release, Rowe-Finkbeiner argued that instead of focusing on one-time bonuses or medals, the administration should prioritize policies that make it possible for families to care for their children, such as affordable child and elder care, access to maternal health care, and paid family leave. These proven policies, she claims, would truly support families and lift our economy.
As the Trump administration continues to explore innovative ways to boost America’s birth rate, one thing is clear: encouraging people to marry and have more children will require a multifaceted approach that addresses the needs of families at various stages. While there may be disagreements over the best strategies, it is undeniable that the well-being of American families has become a priority for this administration.
The White House’s efforts to promote families are not limited to the proposals mentioned above. President Trump has already signed an executive order aimed at increasing access and affordability for in vitro fertilization (IVF), solidifying his reputation as the “King of IVF.” The administration’s commitment to supporting families is evident, but the ultimate success of these initiatives will depend on the policies that emerge from this push.
In a time when family values are at the forefront, it will be interesting to see how these proposals evolve and what lasting impact they have on American society. One thing is certain: the Trump administration’s efforts to promote families and encourage more babies will continue to shape our nation’s conversation around procreation and the importance of family life.
Sourced from https://abcnews.go.com