Trump Unveils $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ for US Troops, Credits Tariffs for Preventing Wars

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a one-time payment of $1,776 for American military personnel, referring to it as a “warrior dividend” and saying more than 1.45 million service members would receive.

The amount before Christmas. He said the payout was linked to what he described as economic gains from his tariff policies. Speaking at a public address, Trump said the figure was chosen to reference the year 1776, calling it a tribute to the country’s founding and to members of the armed forces. “We are sending every soldier $1,776. The checks are already on the way,” he said.

Trump credited tariffs with encouraging companies to shift manufacturing back to the United States, claiming factory construction in sectors such as artificial intelligence and automobiles was occurring at unprecedented levels. He said the measures had strengthened national security and domestic industry.

The Republican leader also repeated claims that his administration had delivered the largest tax cuts in US history through a sweeping legislative package. He said the measures included removing taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits, and claimed families were saving between $11,000 and $20,000 annually. He added that next spring would see the largest tax refunds on record.

Trump further claimed that wages were rising faster than inflation and that employment was at an all-time high, asserting that all jobs created since he took office were in the private sector. He cited wage growth among factory workers, construction workers and miners as evidence of an economic turnaround.

On immigration, Trump accused the previous Democratic administration of allowing large-scale illegal migration and blamed open border policies for crime and economic strain. He claimed that no illegal migrants had entered the country for the past seven months, describing it as an unprecedented outcome.

Trump also criticised earlier administrations over trade policy, crime and foreign affairs, saying the US had regained its global standing. “They’re not laughing anymore,” he said, adding that the country was now “the hottest anywhere in the world”.

He concluded by claiming his administration had achieved more in 11 months than any previous US government.