On a Wednesday night, President Trump stepped into the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House for a rare prime-time address aimed at countering falling poll numbers and ongoing concerns about affordability.
Trump’s Economic Narrative
In less than twenty minutes, the president claimed he had inherited a dire economic situation and, over the past eleven months, had lowered the costs of many goods while halting the flow of migrants into the country. He said, “Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history.” “There has never been anything like it, and I think most would agree.”
Highlighting Everyday Prices
Trump pointed to the cost of gasoline, eggs, airfare and hotel rates as evidence that prices had come down since he took office. He also cited investments in the U.S. through foreign trade deals and revenue brought in from tariffs as part of the administration’s economic strategy.
Military Checks Announcement
In the lone policy announcement of the night, the president revealed that his administration would send $1,776 checks to roughly 1.4 million members of the military. “It’s not done yet, but boy are we making progress. Nobody can believe what’s going on,” Trump said. “And the checks are already on the way. Nobody understood that one until about 30 minutes ago,” he added, suggesting the announcement was assembled just before his address.
Teasing Housing Reform
Trump also teased major housing reform initiatives slated for 2026 but offered few policy specifics. “In the new year, I will announce some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history,” the president said.
Mortgage Cost Claim
He claimed that the administration had worked to lower the cost of a typical new mortgage by $3,000 annually, tying it to his deportation policies but not offering further details on implementation. “And it’s coming down a lot lower,” he said. “Wait till you see. The numbers are going to be shocking.”
Federal Reserve Chair
The president also said he would “soon” announce the next chair of the Federal Reserve, describing the pick as “someone who believes in lowering interest rates by a lot.”
Foreign-Policy Focus
Trump notably made no mention of Venezuela during the address despite rising tensions between Washington and Caracas. Instead, he referenced the administration’s work to stop the flow of “drugs brought in by ocean and by sea,” an apparent reference to boat strikes his administration has been carrying out in recent months in the Caribbean. The speech came shortly after the Pentagon announced that the U.S. struck a vessel that was traveling along “a known narco-trafficking route in the Eastern Pacific” on Wednesday, killing four “narcoterrorists.” The administration has in recent months built up its military presence around Venezuela, raising concerns about a looming conflict.
Poll Numbers
Trump’s prime-time address came as his poll numbers, including on his handling of the economy, have sunk in recent weeks. A Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday found 39 percent of Americans said they approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency, while 59 percent said they disapprove of his job performance. An PBS News/NPR/Marist poll published this week found 57 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s handling of the economy, compared to 36 percent of respondents who said they approve of Trump’s handling of the economy.
Key Takeaways
- Trump claimed economic gains, citing lower prices and trade deals, while announcing $1,776 checks for 1.4 million service members.
- He hinted at aggressive housing reform for 2026 and a $3,000 annual mortgage cost reduction tied to deportation policies.
- Polls show declining approval, with 39 percent approving his presidency and 57 percent disapproving his economic handling.
The address underscored Trump’s effort to showcase administrative achievements while facing mounting criticism and a challenging political environment.
