Would $5K 'baby bonus' be enough to boost US birth rate?
Share and Follow


() President Donald Trump backed what a published report said was a $5,000 “baby bonus” for women who give birth to help reverse a decline in U.S. birth rates.

Asked Tuesday in the Oval Office about the possibility of providing a financial reward to women, Trump responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me.”

The $5,000 “baby bonus” was first reported this week by The New York Times, which stated that the White House has explored various ideas to encourage Americans to marry and have more children.

In addition to the bonus, other ideas included reserving 30% of Fulbright scholarships for applicants who are married and have children. Also floated was an idea that the government fund programs that educate women about their menstrual cycles, the report said.

The newspaper also reported that one idea presented to the White House was a “National Medal of Motherhood” that would reward women with six or more children.

U.S. birth rates hit a low in 2023, when just under 3.6 million babies were born. That year’s total was about 76,000 less than the year before and was the lowest one-year total since 1979, The New York Post reported.

Art Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at the New York University School of Medicine, told ’s “CUOMO” he is against a financial reward being paid to women for giving birth.

“If you’re really interested in babies, there are plenty of immigrants here whose kids are being deported,” Caplan said. “If you’re interested in babies, there are plenty of people who would come here and become citizens and bring their babies.”

Caplan argues, however, that what the Trump administration wants is the “right kind of babies.” He called the notion “morally offensive.”

Rina Shah, a conservative strategist and commentator, disagreed. Shah told “CUOMO” that the Trump administration is attempting to be proactive in acknowledging some financial realities facing the country.

“They see a declining birth rate, and they’re thinking to themselves, ‘How do we make America great again? We have more children to show how great America could be,” she said.

However, Shah said a one-time financial incentive may not be enough to sway families given the costs of child care, housing and education, all of which outweigh the incentive of a $5,000 bonus.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
'An ideal end game': Fernandina Beach mayor eyes return of Peg Leg Pete to old spot after repair

Fernandina Beach Mayor Plans Historic Revival: Peg Leg Pete Set to Return After Restoration

The mayor has launched an initiative aimed at rejuvenating Peg Leg Pete,…
Epstein emails reveal he tried to weasel his way into Trump's orbit

Leaked Epstein Emails Uncover Attempts to Forge Ties with Trump

Newly unveiled emails reveal that Jeffrey Epstein requested a photo of a…
Megyn Kelly sparks anger as she defends Epstein's 'barely legal type'

Megyn Kelly Faces Backlash After Comments on Epstein’s Preferences

Megyn Kelly has found herself at the center of controversy following remarks…
A small detection camera – which uses AI to detect road hazards and potholes – is seen mounted inside a parking enforcement vehicle, in San Jose, Calif., Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Revolutionizing Road Safety: How AI is Transforming America’s Highways

As America’s infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate, many cities and states…
Archeologists discover an Atlantis-like metropolis at the bottom of a lake

Underwater City Unearthed: Archaeologists Find Ancient Metropolis Beneath Lake Surface

The legendary tale of Atlantis, as told by Plato, has resurfaced with…
'Top secret' White House memo claims Alibaba helps China military target US: report

Confidential White House Memo Alleges Alibaba Assists China’s Military in Targeting the U.S.: Report

A confidential memo from the White House reportedly accuses China’s major e-commerce…
Israel's war in Gaza: 4 Palestinian children in need of medical care arrive at O'Hare Airport in Chicago

Cold Case Breakthrough: Man Arrested for 2004 Downtown Chicago Murder After Extensive South America Hunt

In a dramatic turn of events, a man has been apprehended in…
Trump rages at 'weak Republicans' over Epstein whiplash

Trump Criticizes Fellow Republicans Amid Epstein Controversy

Donald Trump has called on Pam Bondi to launch an investigation into…