WASHINGTON (AP) — The idea that the U.S. has enough money lying around to hand Americans $5,000 checks is “backwards and bordering on laughable,” according to a budget expert — especially with the national debt now above $40 trillion.

President Donald Trump has proposed a $5,000 “dividend” for American adults if Republicans retain control of Congress. The plan would cost more than $1 trillion, according to estimates, and Trump has not provided detailed funding plans.

Meanwhile, the federal government is already paying enormous sums just to service its existing debt. The national debt stood at about $40.1 trillion as of Sept. 3, according to the Joint Economic Committee.

Marc Goldwein, senior policy director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said Trump cannot simply send the money without congressional approval. He also noted that a dividend generally comes from a surplus — something the federal government does not currently have.

“We don’t have surpluses to give away,” Goldwein said.