Love Trump’s Pro-Family Push? Here’s What $5K Baby Bonus Means For You

President Trump’s reported proposal to offer moms a one-time $5K incentive for having a baby is rooted in a noble idea: reversing demographic decline and signaling that America values families again. That’s a message worth amplifying. But in practice, this plan feels more like a nice gift than a serious policy solution.

Because here’s the thing: If $5,000 is all it takes to convince someone to have a child, I’ve got questions. That’s not life-changing money. That’s two Costco runs and a car seat. It’s not even close to covering healthcare during pregnancy, let alone delivery costs or the ongoing expense of raising a child in today’s economy.

Childcare alone can eat up a parent’s paycheck. It’s often so unaffordable that moms leave the workforce entirely—costing families long-term financial security and robbing society of talent. And beyond the dollars and cents, the problem runs deeper: America simply isn’t built for families anymore. From schools that aren’t safe to public spaces that don’t welcome children, too many parents feel isolated and overwhelmed. A one-time check doesn’t fix that.

If we want to get serious about rebuilding a culture of family, we need policy solutions that reflect the full picture of what modern parents face. Start with childcare tax relief—real deductions that reflect real costs. Expand HSAs and FSAs to better cover family needs. Support flexible work arrangements for parents, and give businesses incentives to offer on-site childcare or remote work options. And maybe most importantly, let’s make it culturally acceptable—and politically advantageous—to put families first again.