In an unusual primetime broadcast, President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday night his initiative to distribute over a million members of the U.S. military a “warrior dividend” of $1,776.
“Thanks to tariffs and the newly passed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,‘ I am pleased to share that over …1,450,000 service members will receive this special warrior dividend prior to Christmas,” Trump declared from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room.
“And those checks are already on their way,” he announced.
The address commenced with Trump criticizing his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, stating that “I inherited a disaster” when he resumed his role in the White House last January.
“I am rectifying it,” he affirmed.
Trump emphasized his administration’s initiatives to secure the Southern border, reduce expenses, and enhance U.S. foreign relations.
“Our country was on the verge of total failure. Now, we’re the most desirable country globally,” Trump remarked.
This address came as Trump’s approval ratings are declining significantly, particularly on issues such as immigration and inflation, while Republicans aim to maintain control of the House and Senate in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
“We are recovering our economy from near devastation,” Trump asserted during his speech.
However, the economy, which was once a significant asset for the president, has turned into a weak point as his extensive tariffs have introduced uncertainties and increased expenses for various consumers and businesses.
Trump recently dismissed rising concerns about affordability as a “Democratic fabrication” and, speaking in a Politico podcast this month, rated the economy an “A plus plus plus plus plus.”
In contrast, a recent CNBC All-America Economic Survey indicates that 66% of Americans surveyed this month disapproved of Trump’s management of inflation, which is on the rise. His disapproval regarding inflation was recorded at 60% in April. Trump holds an economic approval rating of 36%, while his overall approval rating stands at just 38%, according to a Marist poll released on Wednesday.
Democrats have been vocal in attacking Trump over the economy.
A collective of Senate Democrats conducted a news conference on affordability this Wednesday.
“Prices are soaring, and in 2026, you’ll continuously hear from us about costs,” warned Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. “Conversely, Donald Trump is going to attempt to highlight his achievements tonight, but that will be a brief address.”
Within his address, Trump anticipates “an unprecedented tax refund season” due to the tax and spending legislation that he enacted during the summer.
The president also underscored his foreign policy victories, asserting—despite controversial claims—that he has concluded eight conflicts since assuming office while citing his assertive approach towards Venezuela.
“Drug imports via sea are now down by 94%,” Trump claimed.
Since September, the Trump administration has engaged in actions against alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean. In October, Trump claimed without substantiation that each vessel is “responsible for the demise of 25,000 Americans, and the devastation of families.”
As Trump’s speech was set to commence, the U.S. Southern Command declared on X that it had executed a strike on a boat in the Eastern Pacific engaged in narcotics trafficking operations. According to U.S. Southern Command, four individuals aboard the vessel were killed.
According to the Government Accountability Office, fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose fatalities in the U.S., predominantly sourced from China and Mexico through the Southern border.
On Tuesday, Trump classified the Venezuelan government as a “terrorist” entity and ordered a “complete and total” blockade against sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the nation. Last week, he informed Politico that he would consider a ground invasion of Venezuela.
“We possess the mightiest military globally, and it’s not even comparable. I’ve revitalized American power,” Trump declared.
