President Donald Trump delivered a controversial prime-time holiday speech, announcing $1,776 bonus checks for U.S. troops, blaming Democrats for economic struggles, and promising a future boom. Despite public anxiety over inflation and a weakening job market, Trump used the address to boost his approval ratings and rehash partisan messaging.
During a politically charged prime-time address, President Donald Trump announced a $1,776 bonus check for 1.45 million U.S. military members, funded by his import tariffs, totaling approximately $2.6 billion. Delivered amidst the holiday season, the speech was highly partisan, seeking to pin the blame for current economic challenges like elevated inflation and a weakening job market on Democrats and his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump, aiming to reverse his eroding approval ratings ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, promised an "economic boom," significant housing reforms, and increased tax refunds. He presented charts and made claims about economic growth, even as public data showed inflation reaccelerating (3% from 2.3%) and job gains slowing (17,000 monthly average) following his tariffs. The address was a rehash of familiar political rhetoric, contrasting with traditional non-partisan presidential speeches, and highlighted divisions rather than unity, reflecting Trump's efforts to regain momentum despite public frustration with his economic handling and other policy challenges like unpopular mass deportations and rising health insurance premiums.
