President Trump announced on Wednesday (December 17) that over a million American troops will receive a “Warrior Dividend” bonus of $1,776 before Christmas.
In a national address at the White House on Wednesday evening, Trump outlined his administration’s direction for 2026. He mentioned the Pentagon’s actions this year in destroying multiple Iranian nuclear facilities and efforts by Washington to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas.
During his address, Trump stated, “Tonight, I am also proud to announce that over 1.45 million service members will receive a special gift before Christmas – what we call the ‘Warrior Dividend’. This ‘Warrior Dividend’ is in commemoration of the founding of America in 1776. We will be giving each soldier $1,776.”
According to government data, as of September 30, there are approximately 1.3 million active-duty military personnel; when including National Guard members and civilian personnel, the total number in the military is around 2.6 million.
Trump said that these checks “are already in the mail.” He stated, “No one deserves this bonus more than our military, and I want to congratulate each and every one of you.”
In his speech, Trump also highlighted several policy achievements, including ensuring border security with Mexico, imposing tariffs on all trading partners, lowering gas prices, and abolishing renewable energy programs.
Furthermore, Trump previewed a housing cost reduction agenda for next year, which he called “one of the most ambitious housing reform plans in American history.”
Trump pointed out that under former President Biden, the surge of illegal immigrants has driven up housing prices in the US.
“At the same time, illegal immigrants have taken away job opportunities from Americans, overcrowded emergency rooms, and benefited from free healthcare and education paid for by you – American taxpayers. They have also increased law enforcement costs,” Trump said. “For the first time in 50 years, we are witnessing a phenomenon called ‘reverse migration’. As immigrants return to their home countries, Americans will have more housing and job opportunities.”
However, Trump did not provide detailed implementation details for the housing plan in his speech.
Lastly, Trump mentioned that the US will co-host the FIFA World Cup next year, host the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
He said, “Next year, when the world looks at us, they will see a country loyal to its citizens, dedicated to labor, confident in self-identity, unwavering in self-determination, and a country that the whole world admires.”