President Donald Trump announced a $1,776 payment to approximately 1.45 million U.S. service members in a televised address on Wednesday, framing the $2.57 billion “Warrior Dividend” as a tribute to the nation’s 1776 founding and a benefit funded by his administration’s tariffs.
“Checks are already on the way,” Trump declared, promising delivery before Christmas. “Nobody deserves it more than our military.” He said the funds were drawn from tariff revenue and the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” signed into law on July 4.
The 18-minute speech largely reiterated Trump’s economic and immigration record while sharply criticizing Democrats and former President Joe Biden, whom he mentioned seven times. Trump insisted that under his leadership, “prices are all coming down and coming down fast,” despite recent economic data and widespread public concern.
While prices for some items like fuel and eggs have fallen, inflation remains a persistent issue, with the September rate hitting 3% and consumer confidence declining.
Recent polling indicates significant voter anxiety, with about half of all voters—and 40% of 2024 Trump supporters—saying the cost of living is the worst they have experienced. Trump’s approval on economic issues has dropped 15 points since March, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll.
The address appeared aimed at resetting public perception ahead of next year’s midterm elections, where the president’s party traditionally faces headwinds. Trump acknowledged that economic dissatisfaction contributed to Republican losses in November races and pledged that Americans would see more benefits in 2026, the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“When the world looks at us next year, let them see a nation that is loyal to its citizens… and the envy of the entire globe,” he said. “We are respected again, like we have never been respected before.”
Yet for many Americans who voted for immediate change, the speech offered little new policy and may do little to alter growing economic unease eleven months into Trump’s second term.
By James Kisoo
