From PBS NewsHour.

Trump said some 1.45 million U.S. military service members will receive a “warrior dividend” of $1,776 before Christmas.

The president announced the checks during his address to the nation Wednesday, suggesting the money was made possible by tariffs. It’s not clear how exactly the checks are being funded.

"In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776,” Trump said.

Trump’s prime-time speech was an opportunity for the president to praise his administration as Americans grow more concerned about prices and affordability. The latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released Wednesday found a record low number of Americans approve of how he is handling the economy. Throughout his speech, Trump blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, and Democratic policies for the country’s problems seen this year.

"I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it, " he said.

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