President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged prime-time speech, announcing a $1,776 bonus check for U.S. troops and blaming Democrats for economic challenges amidst public anxiety over inflation and a weakening job market.
President Donald Trump used a prime-time network television address to deliver a politically charged speech, announcing a $1,776 Christmas bonus check for 1.45 million U.S. military members, referencing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In his remarks, Trump sought to pin the blame for economic challenges, including elevated inflation and a weakened job market, on Democrats and his predecessor, Joe Biden, despite his own import taxes contributing to consumer price increases. He reiterated promises of an economic boom, aggressive housing reforms, and growing incomes, contrasting with public frustration over rising costs and a reaccelerating inflation rate post-tariffs. The speech, a condensed version of his usual political rhetoric, aimed to rebuild his eroding approval ratings and regain momentum after recent Republican losses, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump also addressed other policy challenges like unpopular mass deportations and health insurance premium increases, blaming Democrats for the latter.
