U.S. President Donald Trump used a nationally televised White House address Wednesday night to outline his priorities for 2026, announce bonus payments for U.S. troops and defend his economic record amid growing public concern over inflation and job growth.
Trump said 1.45 million service members will receive a US$1,776 “warrior dividend” before Christmas, claiming the payments are being funded by tariff revenues. “The checks are already on the way,” he said.
Speaking from the Diplomatic Reception Room, flanked by Christmas trees and a portrait of George Washington, Trump sought to reassure Americans worried about rising costs for groceries, housing and utilities. He blamed ongoing inflation on his predecessor, former president Joe Biden, saying, “Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it.”
The address comes at a sensitive political moment, with Trump’s approval ratings slipping and public polling showing frustration with his handling of the economy. Inflation has accelerated since the introduction of new tariffs earlier this year, with the consumer price index now rising at an annual rate of 3 per cent, up from 2.3 per cent in April.
While Trump pointed to a rising stock market, falling gasoline prices and major investments in artificial intelligence as signs of progress, economic pressures persist. Job growth has slowed sharply, averaging 17,000 new positions per month since April, and the unemployment rate has climbed from 4 per cent in January to 4.6 per cent.
With midterm elections looming in 2026 that will determine control of Congress, Trump’s remarks were seen as an effort to rebuild momentum after Republican setbacks earlier this year and to frame the economic debate ahead.