Washington, D.C. – In a move to address the declining birth rate in the United States, the White House is reviewing several proposals aimed at encouraging Americans to marry and have more children. Among these is a $5,000 “baby bonus” that would be given to every new mother after childbirth.
President Donald Trump expressed support for the idea when asked about it this week.
“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Trump said Tuesday, showing openness to a financial incentive for new mothers.
While no final decisions have been made, the discussion reflects a growing focus on pro-family policies and increasing the U.S. birth rate, which has been in decline for several years.
What Is the Baby Bonus Proposal?
According to sources, one of the proposals includes giving $5,000 to mothers after childbirth to help cover the early costs of raising a child. Other ideas submitted to the White House include:
- Awarding a “National Medal of Motherhood” to women with six or more children
- Eliminating the marriage penalty in taxation
- Expanding the child tax credit
These ideas have reportedly been shared with the White House Domestic Policy Council and are being reviewed.
Trump’s Position on Family Policies
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president is committed to supporting American families.
“The president wants America to be a country where all children can safely grow up and achieve the American dream,” she said. “He is proudly implementing policies to uplift American families.”
Trump has already signed an executive order to make IVF (in vitro fertilization) more accessible and affordable, and has referred to himself as the “King of IVF.”
Vice President Vance and the Push for More Children
Vice President J.D. Vance has also actively promoted family-focused policies. During the 2024 campaign, he called for expanding the child tax credit to $5,000 per child, while also stating that long-term solutions would need cooperation from Congress.
At the March for Life rally in January, Vance said:
“I want more babies in the United States of America. We must ensure young families can afford to raise children and view them as blessings, not burdens.”
Critics Say Real Solutions Are Being Ignored
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed incentives. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO of MomsRising, criticized the suggestions as “coercive and counterproductive.”
“Families don’t just need bonuses — they need affordable child care, maternal healthcare, and paid family leave,” she said.
She emphasized that building a strong care infrastructure would better support families and encourage birth rates in a more sustainable and effective way.
A Growing National Debate
With declining marriage and birth rates becoming a serious concern in the U.S., both policymakers and advocacy groups are pushing for different solutions — from direct financial support to comprehensive social services. The White House is expected to continue reviewing ideas in the coming weeks.