Trump Expresses Support for Proposed $5,000 Incentive to Address Declining U.S. Birth Rate
Former President Donald Trump has voiced his approval of a proposal to offer a $5,000 financial incentive to women who give birth, an initiative aimed at counteracting the declining birth rate in the United States. When questioned in the Oval Office about the prospect of providing monetary rewards to new mothers, Trump remarked, “Sounds like a good idea to me.”
The concept of a “baby bonus” was initially reported by the New York Times, which indicated that the White House had been exploring a variety of measures to encourage marriage and family growth among Americans.
Record Low Birth Rates Raise Alarm
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States experienced a significant decline in birth rates in 2023, recording fewer than 3.6 million births — approximately 76,000 fewer than the previous year. This figure represents the lowest number of births in a single year since 1979. Data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics revealed that the birth rate among women aged 15 to 22 fell to 54.5 births per 1,000 women, marking a 3% decrease from 2022.
The same report also highlighted that for the eighth consecutive year, birth rates among women aged 30 to 34 surpassed those of women aged 25 to 29. Nevertheless, even these older age groups experienced a slight decrease compared to previous years. Similarly, while birth rates among women aged 40 to 44 have generally risen since 1985, a slight decline was recorded in 2023.
Although there was a brief increase in birth rates during the pandemic, the trend has since reversed.
Debate Surrounds the Ethics and Effectiveness of a Baby Bonus
Opinions are divided regarding the proposed financial incentive. Art Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at New York University School of Medicine, criticized the idea as morally problematic. He argued that providing cash rewards for childbirth disregards broader societal concerns, such as the treatment of immigrant families whose children are vulnerable to deportation. Caplan suggested that the administration’s focus appeared selective and ethically troubling.
Conversely, conservative political strategist Rina Shah offered a different perspective. She interpreted the proposal as a recognition of the economic challenges facing American families and an attempt to proactively address the country’s declining birth rate. Shah acknowledged, however, that while the intention behind the proposal might be positive, a single $5,000 payment is unlikely to offset the substantial financial burden of raising children. Costs related to childcare, housing, and education remain significant obstacles for prospective parents.
The High Costs of Raising Children
Supporting this view, a recent report by BabyCenter, a parenting resource platform, found that parents now spend over $20,000 during their child’s first year alone, excluding medical costs associated with childbirth. On average, parents reportedly allocate approximately $68 per month on clothing, $86 on diapers and wipes, and $222 on infant formula — expenses that accumulate to about $4,500 annually for these necessities.
In light of these figures, BabyCenter executive editor Melissa Bykofsky emphasized the importance of financial planning for individuals considering expanding their families. She recommended early budgeting as a crucial step in preparing for the considerable economic responsibilities of parenthood.
Additional Proposals Under Consideration
Beyond the baby bonus, the New York Times reported that other incentives have been discussed within the administration. These include proposals to reserve 30% of Fulbright scholarships for applicants who are married with children, establish government-sponsored educational programs about reproductive health, and introduce a “National Medal of Motherhood” to honor women who have six or more children.
However, it remains unclear whether any of these initiatives will be formally adopted. The White House has not issued any official announcements regarding the implementation of these measures.
During his first term, Trump successfully expanded the child tax credit, doubling it from $1,000 to $2,000 and raising the income threshold for eligibility. Unless renewed by Congress, this expanded credit is set to expire at the end of 2025. In contrast, President Joe Biden temporarily increased the child tax credit during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the expansion was only in effect for one year and was not extended.
Source: NewsNation
