2:53President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from the White House in Washington, Dec. 17, 2025. ABC News
On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump spoke to the country, highlighting his first year in office — expressing familiar complaints about the Biden administration with sharp political language, boasting signs of what he described as an improving economy, and announcing a bonus for U.S. service members that he claimed would be funded through his controversial tariff policies.
"Eleven months ago, I took over a disaster, and I'm working to remedy it," he stated.
"In just one year, we have accomplished more than anyone could have anticipated," Trump remarked.
Trump announced that over 1.4 million military personnel would receive a "warrior dividend" — a payment of $1,776.
President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from the White House in Washington, Dec. 17, 2025.ABC News
"The payments are already en route," he noted.
"We generated significantly more revenue than anyone expected due to tariffs," he added.
Previously, Trump had suggested distributing a $2,000 dividend check to low- and middle-income Americans funded by tariff revenue, but he did not mention this proposal on Wednesday.
During his nearly 20-minute speech, a visibly frustrated Trump criticized the Biden administration on immigration, crime, and the economy — issues that recent surveys indicate are major concerns for Americans. He referenced the term "affordability" — a concept he had once dismissed as a Democratic fabrication — to hold his predecessor responsible for rising prices.
Trump stated he was focused on lowering the costs of groceries, medication, and energy, and was targeting "the enormous health insurance companies" to decrease healthcare expenses.
President Donald Trump delivers an address to the Nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 17, 2025.ABC News
He indicated that he would soon reveal the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, hinting that it would be "someone who advocates for significantly lower interest rates," and stated he would announce "some of the most ambitious housing reform initiatives in American history" next year.
He also emphasized growth in private-sector jobs. While unemployment remains relatively low by historical standards, the unemployment rate increased to its highest point in four years according to the latest job report.
"Our nation is strong. America is esteemed, and our country is more robust than ever before," Trump declared. "We are on the brink of an economic surge the likes of which the world has never witnessed."
The remarks made Wednesday evening from the Diplomatic Room came at a time when Trump is experiencing low approval ratings, especially regarding the economy, amidst a hiring slowdown and rising inflation.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after stepping off Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, December 17, 2025 upon return from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
A Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday revealed that most Americans view the economy as the most pressing issue facing
Sourse: abcnews.go.com