Trump Unveils $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ for Military in Final Prime-Time Address

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that every active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces will receive a one-time $1,776 Christmas bonus, unveiling what he called the “Warrior Dividend” during a nationally televised prime-time address from the White House.

The payment, set to be distributed to roughly 1.45 million service members before Christmas, was deliberately chosen by Trump to honor America’s founding in 1776—a date just ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. “I am proud to announce that 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special — we call Warrior Dividend — before Christmas,” Trump stated during the address, which aired live from the White House Diplomatic Room. “We are sending every soldier $1,776. The checks are already on the way.”

Trump linked the bonus directly to increased government revenue generated through tariffs and recent legislation, arguing that stronger trade enforcement and economic policy changes had exceeded projections. He framed the dividend as both a tangible reward for service members’ sacrifices and a symbolic gesture of economic progress, emphasizing it reflected an administration prioritizing military families without expanding federal debt.

The speech marked Trump’s final nationally televised address of the year and served as a capstone to his broader messaging on economic gains during his second term. The president highlighted tariff revenue, domestic manufacturing investments, and wage growth as evidence of policies delivering immediate relief while reinforcing claims of fiscal responsibility. Despite facing criticism for an alleged inadequate focus on affordability and economic well-being, Trump maintained that bolstering military support remains a cornerstone of his presidency.