President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that every active U.S. military service member will receive a $1,776 payment, calling it a “warrior dividend,” during a rare primetime address from the White House.
Speaking from the Diplomatic Reception Room, Trump said more than 1.45 million service members will receive the one-time payment before Christmas, at an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. He attributed the funding to tariff revenues and a recently passed tax and spending package, saying the checks were already being processed.
Trump opened his address by sharply criticizing the previous administration, claiming he “inherited a mess” when he returned to office earlier this year. He told viewers his administration is reversing course by tightening border controls, lowering costs, and restoring U.S. strength abroad.
“Our country was on the verge of failure,” Trump said. “Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
The announcement comes as Trump faces declining approval ratings, particularly on economic issues such as inflation and affordability. Recent polling shows a majority of Americans disapprove of his handling of rising prices, even as the president continues to defend his economic record.
Despite those concerns, Trump predicted what he called “the largest tax refund season of all time” in 2026, citing legislation he signed into law over the summer.
The president also highlighted his foreign policy approach, claiming significant progress in combating drug trafficking and asserting that his administration has ended multiple international conflicts — claims that critics and analysts have questioned.
During the speech, Trump emphasized recent military actions in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean targeting vessels accused of narcotics trafficking. Just before the address began, U.S. Southern Command confirmed a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat, resulting in four fatalities.
Trump also reiterated his hardline stance toward Venezuela, recently designating its government a terrorist organization and ordering a blockade of sanctioned oil shipments. He has previously said he would not rule out military action against the country.
“We have rebuilt the strongest military in the world,” Trump said. “American strength is back.”
Democrats quickly criticized the speech, arguing that the administration is downplaying economic pressures facing everyday Americans. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said affordability will be a central issue heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
The primetime address underscores Trump’s effort to rally public support as political and economic challenges intensify in the lead-up to next year’s elections.
