Trump touts economy recovery and military strength in national address

President Donald Trump praised the work his administration has done since January in an address to the nation Wednesday evening in which he called the United States “the hottest country in the world.”

Trump blamed his predecessor Joe Biden and repeated claims that his administration inherited “a mess” as he praised work done since he took office to improve the economy, reduce the flow of drugs into the US and support the US military.

“Here at home, we are bringing our economy back from the brink of collapse,” Trump said. “The last administration and its allies in congress have plundered our treasury for trillions of dollars, sending prices and everything soaring to levels never seen before. I’m bringing these high prices down and I’m bringing them down very quickly.”

Trump also said Americans will begin to see the benefits of the massive tax and domestic policy bill signed into law in July. The bill included key provisions that permanently created tax breaks for individuals and businesses included in the Trump Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and included new tax cuts to reduce fees on tips and overtime pay.

Trump says economy will ‘explode’ after signing ‘big, beautiful bill’: ‘It’s going to be really great’

“Next year, you will also see the results of the largest tax cuts in American history that have already been accomplished through our great, big, beautiful bill, perhaps the most sweeping legislation ever passed in Congress,” Trump said.

Trump also praised the strength of the US military under his administration, citing strong recruiting numbers across the services. As a result, Trump said military service members will receive a so-called “warrior dividend” before Christmas to send the troops $1,776 in honor of America’s founding in 1776.

“We send every soldier $1,776,” Trump said. “Think about that.” “The checks are already on the way.”

President Donald Trump visits Michigan Air National Guard troops on April 29, 2025, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Trump is scheduled to address the nation in a prime-time White House address as Americans report economic pressure

Trump signed his letter claiming that the United States was respected again, and that it was “the envy of the whole world,” and he also wished Americans a “Merry Christmas.”

Trump said: “Our nation is strong. America is respected and our country is back stronger than ever.” “We are preparing for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before. Soon we will host the World Cup and the Olympic Games, and we’ve got both. But more importantly, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”

The speech comes as Trump launched a new effort focused on his economic policies, amid criticism surrounding how his administration handles messaging on economic issues. Scrutiny has intensified in the wake of November’s elections, which resulted in Democrats winning several key elections – including the New York mayor’s race, and the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races – as Democrats focused on “affordability.”

President Donald Trump, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, speak during a Cabinet meeting in the White House Cabinet Room in Washington, August 26, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

While Trump told Politico in December that he would rate his economy at “A+++++,” voters do not share his optimism. For example, 76% of voters reported they viewed the economy unfavorably, up from 67% who reported the same in July and 70% who said so after former President Joe Biden’s term, a national Fox News poll found in November.

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Trump has previously given several speeches at the White House, including in November after the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, and another in June after the US military launched strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.