By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-promises-warrior-dividend-of-1776-for-u-s-military-service-members Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trump promises ‘warrior dividend’ of $1,776 for U.S. military service members Politics Dec 17, 2025 10:16 PM EST President Donald Trump said some 1.45 million U.S. military service members will receive a “warrior dividend” of $1,776 before Christmas. Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above. The president announced the checks during his address to the nation Wednesday, suggesting the money was made possible by tariffs. It’s not clear how exactly the checks are being funded. WATCH: Trump addresses the nation from the White House | PBS News special coverage “In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776,” Trump said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Trump’s prime-time speech was an opportunity for the president to praise his administration as Americans grow more concerned about prices and affordability. The latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released Wednesday found a record low number of Americans approve of how he is handling the economy. Throughout his speech, Trump blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, and Democratic policies for the country’s problems seen this year. “I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it, ” he said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas Joshua Barajas is a senior editor for the PBS NewsHour's Communities Initiative. He's also the senior editor and manager of newsletters. @Josh_Barrage
President Donald Trump said some 1.45 million U.S. military service members will receive a “warrior dividend” of $1,776 before Christmas. Watch Trump’s remarks in the video player above. The president announced the checks during his address to the nation Wednesday, suggesting the money was made possible by tariffs. It’s not clear how exactly the checks are being funded. WATCH: Trump addresses the nation from the White House | PBS News special coverage “In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776,” Trump said. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Trump’s prime-time speech was an opportunity for the president to praise his administration as Americans grow more concerned about prices and affordability. The latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released Wednesday found a record low number of Americans approve of how he is handling the economy. Throughout his speech, Trump blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, and Democratic policies for the country’s problems seen this year. “I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it, ” he said. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now