Donald Trump says he’s giving US troops ‘warrior dividends’ for Christmas
President Donald Trump announced a special payment of $1,776 to U.S. military service members, which he termed a “warrior dividend.” He made the declaration during a televised address from the White House on December 17.
The one-time payment is intended to honor the nation’s founding year of 1776. Trump stated the checks “are already on the way” and should arrive by Christmas Day.
Approximately 1.28 million active-duty troops and 174,000 reserve members are expected to receive the payment. The total cost of the initiative is roughly $2.57 billion.
A senior administration official stated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Pentagon to distribute the funds as a housing allowance supplement. The official said it demonstrates a commitment to improving quality of life for military families.
Trump funded the program partly through tariffs and the Republican tax bill. During his speech, he asserted that nobody deserves the payment more than the military.
The address also included criticism of the previous administration, which Trump accused of favoring outsiders and foreign nations. He contrasted this with what he described as unprecedented positive change under his own leadership.
This announcement coincides with a new Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Trump’s economic approval rating has fallen to a new low of 33 percent. His overall approval rating also declined to 39 percent.
