US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he would pay a "warrior dividend" of $1,776 to each of the 1.45 million US military personnel, during a nationally televised address aimed at touting his achievements amid declining approval ratings driven by rising consumer prices.
"Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history," Trump said in the live broadcast from the White House.
"We are reviving an economy that was on the brink of collapse," he said. "The previous administration and their allies in Congress (Democrats) drained trillions of dollars from the treasury and drove prices to unprecedented levels. I am now bringing those elevated prices down very quickly."
On his tariff policy, Trump said, "I have attracted a record $18 trillion in investment to America. This means job creation, wage increases, economic growth, new factories, and much stronger national security. Much of this achievement is thanks to my favorite word—tariffs."
"The new tax cuts introduced this year will save many American families between $11,000 and $20,000 annually," Trump said. "Next spring will be the largest refund season ever, powered by tariff effects and the legislation."
He also announced that all 1.45 million military personnel would receive a one-time special payment of $1,776 per person before Christmas, which he called the "warrior dividend."
The Washington Post noted that "the speech contained little in terms of new policy, with the exception of the announcement to pay troops $1,776."
A poll conducted by PBS, NPR, and Marist from December 8-11 surveying 1,440 adults (margin of error ±3.2 percentage points) found that only 36 percent of respondents said Trump is handling the economy well—the lowest figure across both his first and second terms. Only 38 percent said Trump is doing a good job as president.
