As the United States grapples with falling birthrates and a shrinking population growth trend, former President Donald Trump has proposed a new idea to encourage more Americans to have children. The plan under consideration is a cash incentive of up to $5,000 for women who give birth, a measure supporters say could help reverse the long-term demographic slide that has worried economists, policymakers, and social scientists for years.
A Declining Trend That Alarms Policymakers
According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, the U.S. saw just over 3.6 million births in 2024, which was only a slight increase from 2023. The total fertility rate in 2024 stood at approximately 1.63 births per woman. That is far below the 2.1 level considered necessary to maintain a stable population without immigration.
The report noted that while birthrates among women aged 25 to 44 rose slightly, rates declined for women in their teens and early twenties. For the first time, births among women ages 40 to 44 surpassed those of teenage mothers. “It signals a huge shift in Americans’ patterns of childbearing across age,” said Leslie Root, a research professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Economic uncertainty, student loan debt, and high housing costs are discouraging young adults from starting families, according to researchers. Karen Benjamin Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center, explained, “People are really deliberate about having kids and I think that’s, in general, a good thing,” but she warned that further economic strain could delay childbearing even more.
Trump’s Proposal: A Financial Reward for New Mothers
In response to the growing concern about America’s declining birthrate, Trump voiced support for a proposal that would offer a $5,000 “baby bonus” to new mothers. In an interview from the Oval Office, Trump was asked about the proposal and responded, “Sounds like a good idea to me.” The idea was first reported by The New York Times and has been part of a broader conversation within the Trump administration about how to encourage Americans to have more children.
While the plan has not yet been officially adopted, multiple policy suggestions have been presented to White House officials. According to sources involved in the meetings, other proposals include reserving 30 percent of Fulbright scholarships for applicants who are married or have children, and expanding public education on fertility and ovulation cycles.
Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that the president’s priority is to support American families. “The president wants America to be a country where all children can safely grow up and achieve the American dream,” she said. “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.”
Support from Pronatalist Allies
Several of Trump’s close allies and advisers have pushed for stronger pronatalist policies. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has been especially vocal about the issue, warning that civilization could face serious risks if low birthrates continue. Vice President JD Vance has also embraced the cause, advocating for a more generous child tax credit and describing the declining birthrate as one of the most pressing national challenges.
“I want more happy children in our country, and I want beautiful young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them,” Vance said at the 2025 March for Life event. “It is the task of our government to make it easier for young moms and dads to afford to have kids, to bring them into the world and to welcome them as the blessings that we know they are.”
Simone and Malcolm Collins, who have emerged as prominent pro-natalist advocates, said they have submitted several policy drafts to the White House. Among them are proposals for a “National Medal of Motherhood” to honor women who have six or more children and tax reforms to eliminate penalties for married couples. Simone Collins said that the White House appeared open to considering these ideas.
Critics Raise Concerns About Practicality and Fairness
While the baby bonus proposal has drawn attention and praise from conservative circles, it has also sparked sharp criticism from others who say it ignores the deeper problems that make it hard for families to grow.
Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO of MomsRising, criticized the proposals as inadequate and harmful. “The programs are sheer lunacy — coercive, counterproductive recipes for failure,” she said in a public statement. “There’s no question that families need policies that make it possible for moms and parents to care for their kids, go to work and contribute to their communities.”
She added that providing affordable childcare, maternal health care, and paid family leave would be far more effective. “The proposals the Trump administration are reportedly considering will not open avenues for moms, families and our economy to thrive,” Rowe-Finkbeiner said. “Those who want families to have more babies should support the policies that build the care infrastructure families and businesses need.”
A Political and Cultural Flashpoint
Whether or not the baby bonus is enacted into policy, it highlights a deeper debate over how the government should respond to shifting demographics and declining family formation. Supporters say direct financial incentives are a necessary step to restore confidence in the future and strengthen the fabric of the country. Critics argue that without fixing the high costs and logistical barriers associated with raising children, cash payments will do little to change behavior.
The issue is likely to play a major role in Trump’s ongoing campaign and future policy discussions. As the United States continues to face demographic decline and aging population trends, the question remains whether a baby bonus alone is enough to inspire a new American baby boom—or if it is just a headline-grabbing idea in a much larger and more complex social challenge.
