WASHINGTON (FN) — President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that nearly 1.5 million U.S. service members will receive a one‑time Christmas bonus, which he called a “warrior dividend.”
Speaking from the White House, Trump said the payment of 1,776 Dollars per troop was meant to honor the nation’s founding nearly 250 years ago. He credited tariffs and a recently passed Republican spending and tax package for funding the payout.
“The checks are already on the way,” Trump said, adding, “Nobody deserves it more than our military.”
The president also pointed to what he described as “record enlistment” numbers under his leadership, contrasting them with what he called historically poor recruitment figures during Joe Biden’s presidency.
The announcement drew immediate praise from some veterans’ groups, who said the bonus was a welcome gesture during the holiday season. “It’s a morale boost for families who sacrifice year‑round,” said retired Army Col. James Porter.
Others raised concerns about the precedent of direct cash payments. Defense budget analysts warned the move could politicize military compensation. “Bonuses tied to political branding risk undermining long‑term pay structures,” said Laura Chen of the Center for Strategic Studies.
Democrats in Congress criticized the announcement as a campaign‑style giveaway. Rep. Maria Gonzalez of California said, “Troops deserve stable pay and benefits, not one‑time checks tied to headlines.”
Military families expressed mixed feelings. Some welcomed the extra money for holiday expenses, while others said they worried about whether the payments would be repeated or replaced with cuts elsewhere.
Trump’s address also highlighted his administration’s broader agenda, including immigration enforcement, crime reduction, healthcare costs, and efforts to streamline federal agencies. “After just one year, we have achieved more than anyone could have imagined,” he said.
The White House said the payments will be distributed immediately, ensuring service members receive them during the holiday season. Analysts noted the “warrior dividend” marks one of the largest direct cash bonuses ever given to U.S. troops.
