Trump says the country can afford the payments because of increased government revenue and economic investment. However, the proposal could cost more than $1 trillion, and questions remain over how the payments would be funded and approved.

Credits: Lusa;

The proposal has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum, while US national debt recently exceeded $40 trillion. Trump has suggested tariff revenue could help fund the payments, although administration officials have proposed other sources.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said funding could include money from a planned visa programme, while other officials have suggested Congress could be involved in financing the scheme.