President Donald Trump delivered a speech to Americans, pledging that the U.S. economy is heading toward significant expansion. He blamed former Democratic President Joe Biden for the soaring prices of goods and announced a $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" bonus check to be given to soldiers amid his plummeting approval ratings caused by expensive products.
The 79-year-old Trump spoke from the White House on the first anniversary of his return to office, saying he "inherited enormous problems to fix." He asserted that oil and consumer goods prices, which worry the public, are "falling rapidly," though he acknowledged the situation is not yet resolved, emphasizing clear progress.
Surprisingly, Trump announced a "Warrior Dividend" payment of $1,776 to 1.45 million U.S. military personnel (about 55,909 baht each) before Christmas, funded by customs tax revenues. He explained the figure honors the year 1776, the founding of the nation, noting that the U.S. will celebrate its 250th anniversary next year.
The U.S. leader also emphasized that 2026 will see "economic growth the world has never seen before," coinciding with the year the U.S. co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico. However, although the White House promoted the speech as outlining the economic direction for a second term, much of the content focused on attacking political opponents, especially Democrat Joe Biden and immigrants, whom Trump accused of taking American jobs.
Democrats quickly responded, with Senator Chuck Schumer saying Trump "lives in a world disconnected from the reality of Americans," pointing out that prices continue to rise, unemployment is up, and no end is in sight.
This speech comes after a year in which Trump exercised presidential power aggressively, from cracking down on immigrants to targeting political opponents.
Multiple polls reflect that Americans' greatest concern is the rising cost of living, which experts attribute partly to Trump's global customs tax policies. A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released the same day showed Trump’s economic approval rating at a historic low, with 57% disapproving and worried about living costs. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll found 52% believe the economy worsened under his leadership.
Trump also faces criticism from within his MAGA base for prioritizing foreign diplomacy issues—such as Ukraine, Gaza, and tensions with Venezuela—over domestic problems. Although this speech did not mention Ukraine or Venezuela, he cited achievements like a Gaza ceasefire, strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, and fighting drug trafficking networks.
Signs of a strategic economic shift are becoming clearer as next year’s midterm elections approach, following heavy Republican losses in key local races last November. Trump is intensifying domestic travel to communicate economic policies, having promised in Pennsylvania last week to “make America’s cost of living affordable again” and planning a campaign event in North Carolina this Friday.
Vice President J.D. Vance, viewed as a potential 2028 political successor, urged the public to be patient with the economic recovery during this transitional period.
/AFP