In a White House address on Wednesday night, President Donald Trump announced a $1,776 bonus check for 1.45 million military service members, saying the payments are funded by tariffs and that the checks are already on the way.
Bonus Details
Trump told the audience that 1.45 million service members would receive the “warrior dividend before Christmas.” He added, “The checks are already on the way.” The announcement was made in the White House’s Diplomatic Reception Room, where two Christmas trees and a portrait of George Washington framed the scene.
Economic Context
The president said tariffs were financing the bonus and tried to reassure a public worried about the economy. Inflation remains elevated, with the consumer price index rising at an annual rate of 3%-up from 2.3% in April. Monthly job gains have averaged only 17,000 since April’s “Liberation Day,” when Trump announced import taxes that were later suspended and readjusted. The unemployment rate climbed from 4% in January to 4.6%.
Public Sentiment and Upcoming Referendum
Polls show most U.S. adults are frustrated with Trump’s handling of the economy, as inflation has picked up after tariffs raised prices and hiring slowed. In 2026, Trump and his party face a referendum on their leadership as the nation heads into the midterm elections that will decide control of the House and the Senate. Trump brought charts to suggest the economy is on an upward trajectory, but the public sees only limited stability.
Additional Remarks and Controversies
Trump said, “Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it.” He has also defended his mass deportations as unpopular but praised his border halting successes. Administration officials claim new factory investment commitments will reverse the decline in manufacturing jobs and that consumer activity will improve with increased tax refunds next year. Trump eschews the messaging discipline common among most politicians, a style that appeals to some voters and repels others.
On Monday, Trump blamed Rob Reiner’s vocal objections for the killing of the actor-director and his wife. A report released Tuesday showed the jobs market looking increasingly fragile, and Trump’s team blamed Democratic lawmakers for the government shutdown that contributed to job losses reported that month.
Key Takeaways
- Trump is sending a $1,776 bonus to 1.45 million troops, funded by tariffs.
- Inflation has risen to 3% CPI, while job gains and the unemployment rate have worsened.
- The president faces a 2026 referendum amid public frustration over economic policy.
Trump’s announcement underscores his attempt to regain momentum after Republican losses this year, while the economic data paints a more complicated picture of the nation’s financial health.
