Trump promises more than $5,000 checks and Russia frees U.S. citizen: Morning Rundown

Trump is making big promises on the campaign trail — but with strings attached. Special envoy Steve Witkoff praises President Vladimir Putin after Russia frees a retired American teacher. And actor Christina Applegate reveals an MS misdiagnosis.

It’s not just $5,000 checks President Donald Trump is promising to Americans if Republicans win the midterms. He’s teasing “more goodies” that won’t come to states if the Democrats take hold of Congress.

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Just this week in Kansas while rallying for Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, Trump promised the sale of fuel blended with 15% ethanol would no longer be restricted in the summer. In Kentucky, he promised a $100 million investment in a pharmaceutical company’s manufacturing facility. In Ohio, Trump said he’d “very strongly” consider the state for the Space Force Academy.

But only if his preferred Republican candidates win and the GOP maintains control of Congress.

It’s part of a pattern for Trump, using the power of his office as a carrot — or stick — to advance his politician ambitions.

Democrats have criticized the president’s statements about making support conditional. And…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business