US President Trump announces “Warrior Dividend” for service members, praises economic record after 11 months in power
President Donald Trump has announced a “Warrior Dividend” for American service members in a speech where he also defended his economic record 11 months after returning to power.
During his televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump announced that cash payments of $1,776 (£1,329) for 1.45 million American service members were on their way, with arrival expected before Christmas. He added that they would be paid for, in part, by tariffs imposed by his administration.
In a provocative speech, Trump praised his achievements in immigration and attacked the Democratic opposition. Speaking loudly and precisely, he seemed intent on convincing Americans that their country is on the right track and that things will improve further in the future.
Trump claimed that prices are heading down, at a time when polls show many Americans are dissatisfied with the costs of housing, childcare, and health insurance. News sources quoted Democrats criticizing the speech, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer saying the words Trump spoke showed he “is living in a complete bubble, fossilized away from the reality that ordinary Americans see and experience in their daily lives.” Schumer added: “People feel they are under increasing pressure day after day, while Trump raised the victory flag tonight.”
In a short 18-minute speech, Trump said the “Warrior Dividend,” totaling $2.57 billion (£1.9 billion), would be distributed “specifically to honor our country’s founding in 1776.” Trump added that the funds were secured from the significant tariffs he imposed, as well as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” he signed into law on July 4th. “No one deserves it more than our military,” he shouted.
The President provided little new information in the speech, and some of his claims were exaggerated or without certain basis. Much of Trump’s speech focused on his economic record and urging the administration to cut prices, placing the blame on former US President Joe Biden and the Democrats. Trump mentioned the former president seven times.
“Now, under our leadership, they (prices) are flowing and falling very quickly,” he said. “Democratic politicians also led to grocery costs skyrocketing, but we are fixing that too.” While the prices of fuel and eggs have indeed fallen, many other food items are more expensive.
Economic data from September shows the US inflation rate reached 3% for the first time since January, while consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since April due to concerns about living costs, jobs, and the broader economy.
Trump previously admitted that concerns over rising prices contributed to the poor performance of his Republican Party candidates during the elections held in November, where Democrats achieved success in Virginia, New Jersey, and Chicago, as well as more recently in Miami and Georgia. He also acknowledged that incumbent administrations and their dollar fluctuations often result from midterm elections, which will take place next year.
The White House has been struggling with how to handle voter concerns about the economy, along with the obligation to respond to repeated Democratic criticisms regarding high prices. Recent opinion polls have pointed to the electoral crisis facing the Trump administration.
One poll, conducted by Politico, showed that half of voters overall, and 4 out of 10 people who voted for Trump in 2024, felt that the cost of living is the worst in their lives. Another poll released in November by CBS News/YouGov indicates that satisfaction with Trump on economic issues has dropped 15 points since March—with 36% of Americans approving of his management of the matter.
Furthermore, other polls indicate that Trump is at the lowest approval ratings of his current term, and that economic concerns play a significant role. He is a president who has not offered much empathy regarding prices but has pointed to Republican efforts, such as the tax authority passed early last year, which he said would benefit many Americans in the coming year.
When competing for re-election last year, Trump promised immediate change. After 11 months in power, many Americans say they have not seen fundamental change, and the current speech may not change their minds. Trump dedicated part of his talk to promising improvements during the upcoming celebrations of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.
“When the nations of the world look at us next year, let them see a nation faithful to its citizens, loyal to its workers, dedicated to its identity, and confident in its destiny, and a nation that is fully respected throughout its global reaches,” he said.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding between peoples.
For more news, you can visit our main page:
