Old Trump post about Obama using handouts to buy election spreads online after $5K ‘dividend’ promise

Claim:

A screenshot circulating online in September 2026 accurately depicts a genuine 2012 tweet by then-private citizen Donald Trump, which stated, “Don’t let Obama buy the election by handing out unlimited free money to states.”

Rating:

In early September 2026, social media users widely shared a screenshot of an old post from Twitter (now X) written from Donald Trump’s official @realDonaldTrump account. The text in the image read: “Don’t let Obama buy the election by handing out unlimited free money to states.”

This resurgence in interest occurred shortly after Trump promised a $5,000 payout to every American adult if the Republican Party secures a victory in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump formally unveiled this proposal—dubbed the “Trump dividend”—on September 10 during the GOP midterm convention held in Dallas.

The screenshot quickly made the rounds across multiple platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

(Thomas Mohr accessed via Bluesky)

Many online commentators pointed out the irony of the 2012 statement in light of his recent cash-pledge campaign strategy. Critics labeled the proposed dividend using terms like bribery and socialism.

(@mandyarthur accessed via X)

Verification checks confirm that the 2012 social media post is entirely authentic. Trump published the message (archived) on October 30, 2012, just one week ahead of the November 6 presidential election.

Don’t let Obama buy the election by handing out unlimited free money to states.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 30, 2012

Inquiries sent to the White House regarding public comparisons between the historic post and the newly proposed “Trump dividend” remain pending. Any official responses will be incorporated as updates become available.

Ultimately, the 2012 political cycle concluded with Barack Obama securing a second term in the White House. Democrats managed to pick up two Senate seats to keep their majority, while Republicans retained control of the House of Representatives despite losing eight seats.

For further context on his digital communication history, archives document numerous notable statements made by Trump on Truth Social, such as an Easter Sunday post warning Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a Memorial Day message targeting political opponents.

Sources