White House considers giving $5,000 to new moms — But not a dime for childcare

Washington D.C. – The White House is weighing proposals aimed at reversing America’s declining birth rate, including a $5,000 “baby bonus” for new mothers — a move that signals growing political momentum behind pro-natalist policies.

The idea, pitched by outside advocacy groups to White House advisers, would offer American mothers a one-time $5,000 cash incentive after giving birth. Though no final decisions have been made, the proposals are under active consideration, according to administration sources.

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” President Donald Trump said Tuesday when asked about the proposal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that the president is “proudly implementing policies to uplift American families,” though she stopped short of confirming any pending plans.

The administration has already taken steps to expand family-building access, notably through a recent executive order improving access and affordability for in vitro fertilization (IVF). On the campaign trail, Trump has embraced the issue, calling himself the “King of IVF” and joking in March that he’ll be known as the “fertilization president.”

Vice President J.D. Vance has also been a vocal supporter of encouraging childbirth. During the 2024 campaign, Vance advocated for expanding the child tax credit to $5,000 per child and has pushed the message that government policy should make it easier for Americans to have and raise children.

“I want more happy children in our country,” Vance said at the March for Life rally in January. “And it is the task of our government to make it easier for young moms and dads to afford to have kids.”

Among the more controversial proposals submitted to the White House are a “National Medal of Motherhood” for women who raise six or more children and tax reforms to eliminate financial penalties for married couples. These ideas come from pro-natalist activists Simone and Malcolm Collins, who say the administration was “receptive” and is reviewing their draft executive orders.

Not everyone is on board. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, CEO of MomsRising, slammed the proposals as “sheer lunacy,” arguing that real support for families would come through affordable child care, paid leave, and maternal health care — not cash bonuses or medals.

“These are coercive, counterproductive recipes for failure,” she said.

As the debate continues, the administration’s next steps could shape the nation’s approach to family policy for years to come.