Trump Announces $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ for US Soldiers, Reiterates Tariffs Averted ‘Eight Wars’

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

He said the payout reflected what he described as economic gains generated by his administration’s tariff policy. Speaking at a public address, Trump said the figure was chosen to mark the year 1776, describing it as 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 boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening national security, claiming companies were relocating production to the US to avoid import duties. He said factory construction in sectors such as artificial intelligence and automobiles was taking place at levels “never seen before”.

The Republican leader also reiterated that his administration had enacted what he called the largest tax cuts in US history through a legislative package he repeatedly referred to as a “big, beautiful bill”. He said the measures included eliminating 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 bring the largest tax refunds on record.

Trump further claimed that wages were rising faster than inflation and that employment had reached record levels, asserting that all jobs created since he took office were in the private sector. He cited wage increases for 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, alleging links to crime and economic strain. He claimed that no illegal migrants had entered the country for the past seven months, calling the outcome unprecedented.

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

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