President Donald Trump delivered a live prime-time address from the White House on Wednesday evening, primarily focusing on the economy, and announced he will hold a rally on Friday in North Carolina. In his speech, Trump blamed his predecessor, Former President Joe Biden, for high prices while highlighting what he described as the economic gains and progress under his own administration, repeatedly criticizing Biden throughout. He also unveiled a new initiative called the “warrior dividend,” promising that 1 million members of the military would receive checks of $1,776 each.
#WATCH | In an address to the Nation, US President Donald Trump says, “Already I have secured a record-breaking 18 trillion dollars of investment into the United States, which means jobs, wage increases, growth, factory openings and far greater national security. Much of this… pic.twitter.com/pcdXHkUNf7
— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2025
Trump Announced One-Time Military Payout
Trump announced a one-time $1,776 payment for American military personnel, calling it a “warrior dividend.” He said more than 1.45 million service members would receive the payout before Christmas as part of what he described as the economic benefits of his tariff policies. Speaking at a public event, Trump said, “We are sending every soldier $1,776. The checks are already on the way,” adding that the payment honors the year 1776 and pays tribute to the nation’s founding and its armed forces.
Trump Credit Tariff For US Economic Revival
Trump credited tariffs with reviving American manufacturing and strengthening national security, claiming that companies were returning to the US to avoid import duties. He highlighted factory construction in sectors like artificial intelligence and automobiles, saying it was happening at levels “never seen before.”
Trump Praises for Historic Tax Cuts and Family Savings
The President also praised his administration for passing what he described as the largest tax cuts in American history through a “big, beautiful bill.” According to Trump, the legislation included no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits, and families could save between $11,000 and $20,000 annually. He claimed that next spring would see the largest tax refunds on record.
Trump Praises for Job Growth and Rising Wages
Trump repeated that wages were increasing faster than inflation and employment was at an all-time high. He said all new jobs created since he took office were in the private sector, citing higher wages for factory workers, construction workers, and miners as proof of economic improvement.
Trump Crticises Previous Administration for Immigration
Turning to immigration, Trump accused the previous Democratic administration of allowing a mass influx of illegal migrants, linking open-border policies to criminal activity as well as economic and social decline. He claimed that since returning to office, his administration had completely sealed the southern border, preventing any undocumented migrants from entering the United States a move he called an “unprecedented reversal” of prior border policies. Trump added that for the past seven months, no illegal migrants had entered the country, a result that many observers had deemed “impossible.”
Trump Highlights Global Leadership
The President further criticized his predecessors for weak trade deals, rising crime, and global instability. He claimed that his administration had restored America’s international standing, saying, “They’re not laughing anymore,” and described the US as “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
Trump concluded by asserting that his administration had accomplished more in just 11 months than any previous government.
Also Read: US President Trump to Outline 2026 Agenda in National Address Amid Falling Approval Ratings
