By Harshit
WASHINGTON, D.C., DECEMBER 18, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a nationally televised address on Wednesday evening ahead of Christmas, using the 18-minute speech to praise his administration’s economic record, announce bonus payments for military personnel, and sharply criticize Democratic policies and former President Joe Biden.
Speaking from Washington, Trump asserted that the United States had moved from “worst to best” under his leadership, framing his remarks around inflation, wages, immigration, and what he described as a renewed era of American strength. The address, broadcast on December 17 U.S. time, came as the administration approaches the end of its first year back in office following Trump’s re-election.
Announcement of ‘Warrior Dividend’ Checks
One of the most concrete announcements in the speech was Trump’s declaration that his administration would issue $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks to members of the U.S. military, a figure he said was chosen to honor the country’s founding year of 1776.
According to Trump, approximately 1.4 million service members will receive the payments. He attributed the funding to higher-than-expected tariff revenues and the passage of a major Republican-backed tax and spending bill earlier this year.
“The checks are already on the way,” Trump said, adding that the decision had been finalized shortly before the address. “Nobody deserves it more than our military.”
The White House has not yet released detailed budget documentation outlining the disbursement process or funding breakdown.
Economic Claims and Inflation Comparisons
Trump devoted a significant portion of the speech to economic performance, repeatedly contrasting current conditions with those during the Biden administration. He claimed inflation had been “stopped,” wages were rising, and prices were falling across key consumer categories.
The president cited sharp declines in grocery items, including eggs and turkeys, and asserted that car prices, gas prices, hotel rates, and airfares had surged during Biden’s presidency. These figures were presented without supporting data during the speech.
Economists note that while inflation has moderated from its 2022–2023 peaks, price levels remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic norms, and cost-of-living pressures persist for many households.
Wages and Job Creation
Trump claimed wages declined by $3,000 under Biden but have since risen across several sectors following his return to office. He cited increases of $1,000 for factory workers, $1,800 for construction workers, and $3,500 for miners.
He also asserted that 100% of net job creation since he took office has gone to American-born citizens and that all new jobs were created in the private sector. Labor market analysts caution that such claims typically depend on selective time frames and definitions.
The president further stated that more Americans are working today than at any point in U.S. history, crediting tariffs and domestic manufacturing incentives for what he described as record levels of private investment.
Immigration and Border Enforcement
Immigration featured prominently in the address, with Trump declaring that the United States now has the “strongest border in the history of our country.” He praised intensified deportation efforts and claimed that crime levels had dropped sharply in cities such as Washington, D.C.
Trump also alleged that drug trafficking by sea had declined by 94%, a figure not independently verified at the time of the speech.
In a controversial segment, the president criticized refugee resettlement policies and referenced Minnesota, claiming that immigrants had “taken over” parts of the state’s economy. Advocacy groups have previously criticized similar rhetoric as misleading and inflammatory.
Tariffs, Trade, and Future Growth
Reiterating his long-standing support for tariffs, Trump described them as central to what he called a record $18 trillion in committed investments in U.S. factories, infrastructure, and energy projects. He argued that companies were relocating production to avoid tariffs and take advantage of domestic incentives.
Looking ahead, Trump predicted an “economic boom the like of which the world has never seen,” citing upcoming global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as catalysts for growth.
Outlook and Reaction
The address underscored Trump’s continued emphasis on nationalism, trade protection, and aggressive immigration enforcement as defining pillars of his second term. While supporters welcomed the optimistic tone and military bonus announcement, critics questioned the accuracy of several economic claims and warned against overstating short-term trends.
The administration has indicated that additional details on housing reforms, trade policy, and economic initiatives will be released in the coming weeks.