Trump attacks Biden and past conflicts, claims 'our country is back' in speech

Trump's Address: A Year in Office and Economic Promises

President Donald Trump delivered a speech on Wednesday night, reflecting on his first year in office. He highlighted several key points, including his claims of economic improvement and the implementation of tariff policies that he said would fund a bonus for U.S. service members.

"Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I'm fixing it," he stated. "After just one year, we have achieved more than anyone could have imagined."

Trump announced that over 1.4 million military service members would receive a "warrior dividend" — a $1,776 check. "The checks are already on the way," he added. He also mentioned that the tariffs had generated more revenue than expected, which he claimed would help fund these payments.

While Trump has previously suggested sending a $2,000 dividend to low- and middle-income Americans, he did not mention this idea during the speech. The address lasted nearly 20 minutes, during which Trump expressed frustration with the Biden administration, particularly on issues like immigration, crime, and the economy.

He used the term "affordability," which he once dismissed as a Democratic hoax, to criticize his predecessor for high prices. Trump claimed he was working on reducing the costs of groceries, drugs, and energy, and was targeting "the gigantic health insurance companies" to lower healthcare costs.

He also teased the appointment of the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, suggesting it would be someone who supports significantly lower interest rates. Additionally, he promised "some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in American history" for the following year.

Trump emphasized private-sector job growth, although the unemployment rate recently rose to its highest level in four years. Despite this, he asserted, "Our nation is strong. America is respected, and our country is back stronger than ever before. We're poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen."

The speech took place as Trump faces declining approval ratings, especially regarding the economy, amid a slowdown in hiring and rising inflation. A Quinnipiac University poll published on Wednesday revealed that most Americans consider the economy the most urgent issue facing the country today. Only 40% of Americans approve of how Trump has handled it, while 54% disapprove.

Pocketbook issues have been central to this year's off-year elections and are expected to shape the 2026 midterm elections, where Republicans aim to maintain their control of Congress. Trump's remarks came as there was a healthcare showdown on Capitol Hill, with millions of Americans set to face higher premium costs in 2026 due to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.

During his speech, Trump again proposed the idea of providing money directly from the government to help Americans purchase health care, though he did not offer specific details.