Trump Announces $1,776 ‘Warrior Dividend’ for US Troops, Says Tariffs Are Funding the Bonus
Donald Trump announces a $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ for US troops, saying tariff revenues will fund the one-time Christmas bonus.
US President Donald Trump announces a $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ for American military personnel at the White House.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a one-time $1,776 “warrior dividend” for more than 1.45 million American military personnel, saying the payments will be funded through revenue generated from tariffs.
Speaking at the White House, flanked by Christmas decorations and a portrait of George Washington, Trump said the bonus would be credited before Christmas to help ease financial pressure on service members and their families during the holiday season.
“In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776,” Trump said. “We made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs, and nobody deserves it more than our military.”
According to the announcement, the one-time payment will be provided to:
Active-duty service members in pay grades O-6 and below who were serving as of November 30, 2025
Reserve component members on active-duty orders of 31 days or more as of November 30, 2025
Trump credited tariffs, along with recently passed tax legislation, for generating higher-than-expected revenue. Calling tariffs his “favorite word,” he said levies on imports from countries including China, Canada and Mexico were delivering strong financial returns.
The situation has become a real challenge across the US with costs of living going up, and most of the families having difficulties with their budget related to food, housing, utilities, and the holiday season. Trump admitted the inflation issue but still pointed the current economic misery to his predecessor, former President Joe Biden.
“I inherited a mess eleven months ago, and I am working on it,” said Trump, all the while forecasting a huge economic rise in 2026.
The president also linked tariffs to his administration’s efforts to reduce drug prices. He claimed the threat of tariffs was used as leverage in negotiations with pharmaceutical companies and foreign governments, leading to significant price cuts.
Trump said the first phase of reduced drug prices would be available from January through a new website, trumprx.gov, adding that the savings would lower healthcare costs for Americans.
“The money should go to the people,” he said, reiterating that tariffs were being used to strengthen both the economy and public welfare initiatives.
