By Blessing Nweke
US President Donald Trump has announced a one-off $1,776 (£1,329) “warrior dividend” payment for around 1.45 million US service members, saying the funds are already being distributed and should arrive before Christmas.
In an 18-minute televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, Trump said the payments — totalling about $2.57bn (£1.9bn) — would be financed in part through revenues raised by his sweeping tariffs, as well as funds from the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” he signed into law on 4 July. The figure, he said, was chosen to honour the year of America’s founding in 1776.
“Nobody deserves it more than our military,” Trump said, praising servicemembers and framing the dividend as a reward for their sacrifice.
Beyond the announcement, much of the speech focused on Trump’s broader record on the economy and immigration, alongside sharp criticism of Democrats and former president Joe Biden, whom he mentioned repeatedly. With a forceful delivery, Trump sought to project confidence about the state of the country, insisting that prices were falling and that economic conditions were improving rapidly.
“Now, under our leadership, they are all coming down and coming down fast,” he said, referring to prices. He blamed Democrats for higher grocery costs, while claiming his administration was resolving the issue.
However, recent economic data paints a more mixed picture. While fuel and egg prices have declined, many other food items remain more expensive. Inflation reached 3% in September for the first time since January, and consumer confidence has slipped amid concerns over the cost of living, jobs and the wider economy.
Polling suggests those concerns are weighing on the president politically. Surveys indicate that many Americans — including a significant share of his own supporters — believe the cost of living is at its highest in their lifetime, while approval of Trump’s handling of the economy has fallen in recent months.
As midterm elections approach next year, the White House is under pressure to reassure voters. While the “warrior dividend” offers tangible support for troops, it remains unclear whether the address will shift broader public sentiment about the economy.
Original article
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