US President Donald Trump has announced a warrior dividend payment to US service members, in a speech in which he also defended his track record on the economy after 11 months back in office.
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday, Trump said cheques for $1,776 (£1,329) for 1.45 million US service members were already on the way and should arrive before Christmas. He said they would be paid for, in part, by his tariffs.
In the combative address, Trump also touted his achievements on immigration while railing against opposition Democrats. Speaking loudly and quickly, he seemed determined to convince Americans that the US was doing well - and things would only get better.
He claimed prices were falling, at a time when polls show that many Americans are unhappy about the cost of housing, childcare, and healthcare. Democrats were critical of the speech. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the president's words showed he lives in a bubble completely disconnected from the reality everyday Americans are seeing and feeling.
In the brief, 18-minute address, Trump said the warrior dividend, which totals $2.57bn (£1.9bn), would be distributed in honour of our nation's founding in 1776. Trump added that the funds were drawn from his sweeping tariffs.
Trump's claims about the economy were met with skepticism, as economic data shows the US inflation rate hit 3% for the first time since January, while consumer confidence fell to its lowest level due to concerns over the cost of living and jobs.
Despite acknowledging that rising prices have adversely affected his party's performance in recent elections, Trump continued to shift blame onto former President Joe Biden and Democrats, repeatedly asserting that under his leadership, prices were decreasing.
The announcement of the warrior dividend coincides with the upcoming 250th birthday celebrations for America's founding next year, indicating an attempt from the Trump administration to highlight patriotic themes in the context of economic hardship.
