President Trump Advocates Financial Incentives for New Mothers

President Trump has expressed his support for a proposal to provide financial incentives to new mothers, a move aimed at boosting the declining birth rates in the United States. During a discussion with The Post in the Oval Office, when asked about the possibility of a cash incentive for childbirth, Trump responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me.”

Details on the Proposed “Baby Bonus”

The idea of a “baby bonus” was initially reported by the New York Times, revealing that the White House is contemplating measures to encourage American families to have more children. According to sources, one of the proposals under consideration is to offer a $5,000 reward to new mothers. Other ideas include allocating 30% of all Fulbright scholarships to applicants who are married or have children, and funding educational programs about menstrual cycles to help women identify optimal times for conception.

Concerns Over Falling Birth Rates

The urgency of these measures stems from the continuous decline in U.S. birth rates, which have reached a new low in 2023 with approximately 3.6 million babies born, marking the lowest annual birth tally since 1979. This decline has shifted the average American family size from the traditional 2.5 children to just under two. Despite a slight increase in births from 2021 to 2022 during the pandemic, the overall trend is downward, with significant changes also observed in the ages of women giving birth. Increasingly, births are being postponed to the 30s and 40s, while teen and young adult birth rates are decreasing.

White House’s Stance on Fertility and Family Growth

While specific plans have not been publicly confirmed by White House officials, the focus on fertility and family growth is expected to be a key aspect of the administration’s agenda. President Trump, along with figures like Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance, is keen on initiating a “baby boom” to counteract the declining birth rates. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting American families, stating, “The President wants America to be a country where all children can safely grow up and achieve the American dream.” She added, “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.”