US President Donald Trump on Wednesday lauded his administration’s economic and immigration achievements while sharply criticizing the Biden administration and Democrats over rising prices, in a nationally televised address to the nation.
Speaking from the White House Diplomatic Reception Room, Trump highlighted his record on lowering the cost of goods, curbing the flow of migrants, and boosting foreign investment, while also announcing plans for “some of the most aggressive housing reform initiatives in American history.”
Trump announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” payment for 1.45 million American service members, funded in part through revenue generated from his tariffs. He said the payments, totaling $2.57 billion, would be distributed in honor of the nation’s founding in 1776, with checks expected to reach recipients before Christmas.
“Over the past 11 months, we have brought more positive change to Washington than any administration in American history,” Trump said. “There has never been anything like it, and I think most would agree.”
The president pointed to falling prices for gasoline, eggs, airfare, and hotel rates as evidence of economic improvement, while attributing continued inflation to the previous administration and Democratic policies. “Now, under our leadership, prices are coming down and coming down fast,” he said.
Trump also highlighted record foreign investments, factory openings, and job creation, asserting that his administration’s tariffs had encouraged companies to build in the United States rather than overseas.
“Companies know that if they build in America, there are no tariffs. That’s why they are coming home to the USA in record numbers,” he said.
Trump said, “Here at home, we’re bringing our economy back from the brink of ruin,” Trump said. “The last administration and their allies in Congress looted our treasury for trillions of dollars, driving up prices and everything at levels never seen before. I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast.”
Praising his economic record, Trump further noted, “Already I have secured a record-breaking $18 trillion of investment into the United States, which means jobs, wage increases, growth, factory openings, and far greater national security. Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs—my favorite word—which for decades were used successfully against us by other countries. But not anymore.”
While much of the speech reiterated previously stated achievements, Trump framed it as part of a broader push to showcase his administration’s successes ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
He stressed that the new housing reforms, economic gains, and “warrior dividend” payments would strengthen national security, support American families, and honor service members.
Acknowledging that some prices have moderated, Trump noted that inflation remains a concern for many Americans, particularly in housing, healthcare, and childcare, attributing it to the policies of his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, and Democratic lawmakers.
The address comes as Trump continues to promote his economic record amid criticism and seeks to mobilize support among voters ahead of upcoming elections.
