BREAKING: Trump announces $1,776 ‘warrior dividend’ for 1.45 million troops ahead of Christmas

Speaking in an address to the nation, Trump said the checks are already being processed and credited the payments to higher-than-expected federal revenue. “Think of that, and the checks are already on the way,” Trump said. He added that the government “made a lot more money than anybody thought because of tariffs and the bill helped us along.”

Trump described the payment as a “warrior dividend,” saying service members deserved the bonus amid what he characterized as a sharp turnaround in military recruitment. “Nobody deserves it more than our military,” he said, pointing to record enlistment levels after what he described as one of the worst recruiting years in recent history. “What a difference a year makes.”

The president tied the announcement to a broader economic message centered on lowering costs for Americans, particularly in health care. Trump said his administration has begun implementing a “Most Favored Nation” drug pricing policy, which he claims will dramatically reduce prescription drug costs by pressuring foreign governments and pharmaceutical companies through the use of tariffs.

According to Trump, drug prices could drop by as much as 400 to 600 percent, a figure he described as unprecedented. “Drugs have only gone up, but now they’ll be going down by numbers never conceived possible,” he said, adding that the policy went into effect four days ago.

Trump said the first phase of the price reductions will roll out in January through a new federal website, trumprx.gov. He also said his administration is moving to redirect health care dollars away from insurance companies and toward individuals, allowing Americans to purchase coverage directly.

“The money should go to the people,” Trump said, criticizing the Affordable Care Act, which he referred to as the “Unaffordable Care Act,” and blaming Democrats for rising insurance premiums.

Trump acknowledged the changes would face opposition from major insurance companies and Democrats, but dismissed those concerns. “That’s okay with me,” he said. “Because you, the people, are finally going to be getting great health care at a lower cost.”