US Troops to Receive Bonus Checks Ahead of Christmas, Trump Announces

US President Donald Trump has announced that active-duty military personnel will receive special bonus payments ahead of Christmas, with more than 1.4 million service members set to benefit. CNN reported the development on Thursday, 18 December.

In a lengthy televised address on Wednesday, Trump said the payments would be part of a Christmas initiative to provide cash support to hundreds of thousands of Americans. He also vowed to “correct the mistakes of the Biden administration.” The speech was broadcast live from the White House, where Trump highlighted the achievements of his 11 months in office and outlined the expected long-term impact of his policies.

Trump said serving members of the US military would receive a $1,776 payment, branded as the “Warrior Dividend,” during the holiday season. He added that the checks had already been sent and would reach recipients within days. According to Trump, the amount was chosen to honor the founding of the United States in 1776.

The president claimed that his tariff policies had turned the US into the “hottest country in the world,” while sharply criticizing former president Joe Biden. Trump also asserted that the US economy was in poor condition before he took office but had rebounded under his leadership, citing increased revenues, foreign investment, and job growth.