Trump's Wild 50-Year Mortgage & NFL Rule Claims: What's True?

Trump's Outlandish Ideas and Their Current Status

President Donald Trump has a history of proposing bold, unconventional ideas and repeating them until they gain some level of public traction. While some of these suggestions have become more mainstream, others have been met with skepticism or outright rejection. Here’s a look at some of his more recent proposals and where they stand.

50-Year Mortgages

WHERE IT STANDS: Still talking about it.
BACKSTORY: Trump shared an image on social media comparing a 30-year mortgage to a 50-year one, suggesting the latter could ease housing affordability. While some officials, like Bill Pulte of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, called it a "game changer," economists and even some Republicans criticized the idea. Extending loan terms would lower monthly payments but delay equity building. Despite pushback, Trump’s team continues to explore the possibility, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that economic advisers are seriously looking into the proposal.

Tariff Revenue Checks

WHERE IT STANDS: Still talking about it.
BACKSTORY: Trump suggested that tariffs could result in $2,000 checks for Americans. However, experts argue that consumers already bear the cost of import levies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has since questioned whether such checks would actually reach citizens. The administration has collected over $225 billion in tariff revenue, but this is far short of what would be needed for widespread checks. Despite this, the White House remains committed to exploring the idea.

Air Traffic Controller Bonuses

WHERE IT STANDS: In limbo.
BACKSTORY: Trump proposed $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers who worked without pay during a government shutdown. When asked how he would fund it, Trump responded, “I don’t know.” This lack of clarity has left the proposal in a state of uncertainty.

Death Penalty in DC

WHERE IT STANDS: Faded away.
BACKSTORY: Trump called for the enforcement of the death penalty in Washington, D.C., following previous suggestions that murderers should face capital punishment. However, the city repealed capital punishment in 1981, and voters rejected its reinstatement in 1992. Most crimes in D.C., including murder, do not qualify as federal offenses, making the proposal impractical.

Creating a U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund

WHERE IT STANDS: Political off-ramp found.
BACKSTORY: Trump signed an executive order directing the development of a sovereign wealth fund. However, the U.S. lacks surplus funds and instead runs significant budget deficits. To circumvent this, the government has acquired stakes in companies like U.S. Steel and Intel under the guise of national security, without formally establishing a sovereign wealth fund.

Changing NFL Kickoff Rules

WHERE IT STANDS: Still talking about it — but maybe resigned to it not changing.
BACKSTORY: Trump has repeatedly criticized the dynamic kickoff rule, calling it “demeaning” and “unromantic.” Despite his complaints, the NFL has maintained the rule, and Trump has acknowledged that the league will “do what they want to do.”

Changing the Commanders' Name/Naming Their New Stadium After Him

WHERE IT STANDS: Still talking about it.
BACKSTORY: The White House suggested naming the new Washington Commanders stadium after Trump, an idea the team has not endorsed. Trump has also criticized the team’s current name, suggesting it return to the “Redskins,” a name considered offensive. He previously threatened to block stadium construction unless the team reverted to its old name.

Suspending Habeas Corpus

WHERE IT STANDS: Faded away.
BACKSTORY: A White House official suggested suspending habeas corpus to speed up deportations. However, Trump was noncommittal when asked about it, simply asking, “Suspending who?” No further action has been taken.

U.S. Retaking Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan

WHERE IT STANDS: In limbo.
BACKSTORY: Trump suggested the U.S. might take back Bagram Airfield from the Taliban, warning of “bad things” if they did not return it. The Taliban has rejected this idea, urging the U.S. to adopt a more realistic approach.

Arrests for ‘Sinister’ Behavior at the UN

WHERE IT STANDS: Faded away.
BACKSTORY: Trump demanded investigations into alleged “sinister events” during his U.N. speech. While an investigation revealed that a videographer caused an escalator to stop, Trump still insisted that those responsible should be arrested. No arrests have been made, and the matter has largely faded from the public eye.