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To combat America’s declining birth rate, the Trump administration is reportedly considering a $5,000 “baby bonus” for new mothers.
According to The New York Times, a chorus of proposals have been floated at the White House to encourage Americans to get married and have more children. One idea gaining attention: a $5,000 cash bonus for every new mother after delivery.
When asked Tuesday at the White House whether his administration was considering such a bonus, Trump didn’t hesitate. “Sounds like a good idea to me,” told reporters.
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America’s total fertility rate (TFR) has been declining for decades. In 1960, it stood at 3.65 births per woman. By 1990, it had fallen to about 2.1 — roughly the replacement level needed for a population to replace itself from one generation to the next — and by 2023, it had dropped further to just 1.62, according to a March 2025 report from the CDC.
But while $5,000 is nothing to sneeze at, some experts and parents say it’s unlikely to move the needle — especially given the soaring cost of raising a child in America today.
According to SmartAsset, the median annual cost for two working parents to raise one child in the U.S. is $22,850.
And although Trump appears to like the idea of a $5,000 baby bonus, there’s no guarantee it will move forward. A White House official told CBS MoneyWatch that no final decision has been made.
In the meantime, soaring living costs — from housing to groceries to healthcare — are putting pressure on Americans across the board, whether they have children or not. In an environment where every dollar counts, finding ways to build additional income streams can make a real difference.
Here’s a look at three simple ways to start earning passive income — sources of money that keep flowing with little day-to-day effort.
Real estate is a popular way to generate recurring income. When you own a rental property and tenants pay rent, you earn a steady monthly cash flow.
It’s also a time-tested hedge against inflation, as property values and rental income tend to rise alongside the cost of living.
