Trump Highlights Measures to Drive Down Costs in Prime-Time Address

President Donald Trump told the nation his administration is prioritizing the American economy and reducing the cost of living during a prime-time address from the White House on Dec. 17.

“Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” Trump said, highlighting his accomplishments since taking office and previewing his agenda for the next year.

“Here at home, we’re bringing our economy back from the brink of ruin.”

He listed accomplishments, from the economy to border security and foreign policy, while looking forward to the coming year in his second prime-time speech to the country this year.

The president showed a chart demonstrating the difference between price increases under President Joe Biden’s administration and the decreases since his second term began in January.

“I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast,” he said.

Under the Biden administration, which was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, food inflation surged on average nearly 24 percent, with grocery staples climbing at similar rates—or even higher—such as eggs (238 percent), coffee (53 percent), sugar (48 percent), ground beef (40 percent), and butter (35 percent).

While food inflation has slowed sharply this year, persistently high food prices continue to impact household budgets.

Earlier this year, high egg prices captured the national spotlight, drawing criticism from Democratic lawmakers. However, egg prices—at the wholesale and consumer levels—have come down dramatically, as a mix of market dynamics and White House actions helped stabilize the situation.

The president said his administration is working to resolve issues that he suggested had arisen or worsened over the past four years.

“Before my election, the vast majority of Americans were forced to watch as corrupt politicians plundered the halls of power, exploited our taxpayers, and pillaged every system that makes civilized society function,” Trump said. “But not anymore. We’re putting America first, and we’re making America great again.”

Trump emphasized that wages are growing at a faster pace than inflation. All jobs created under his presidency have been in the private sector, “which is the only way to make a country powerful and great,” he said.

He surprised nearly 1.5 million military service members with an announcement that they will all receive a "warrior dividend" payment of $1,776 in honor of the nation’s founding in 1776, with the money arriving in their bank accounts before Christmas.

“Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say congratulations everybody,” Trump said.

“We have the most powerful military anywhere in the world, and it’s not even close.”
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