Trump hits Biden and old grievances, touts 'our country is back' in address

[ad_1] President Donald Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday evening to tout his first 12 months in workplace -- airing acquainted grievances in opposition to the Biden administration in harsh political rhetoric, touting indicators of what he known as an enhancing economic system and saying a bonus to U.S. service members he mentioned will probably be paid for by his controversial tariff insurance policies.

"Eleven months in the past, I inherited a large number, and I am fixing it," he mentioned.

"After only one 12 months, we've got achieved greater than anybody may have imagined," Trump mentioned.

Trump mentioned greater than 1.4 million army service members will obtain a "warrior dividend" -- a $1,776 examine.

President Donald Trump delivers an tackle to the nation from the White Home in Washington, Dec. 17, 2025.

ABC Information

"The checks are already on the best way," he mentioned.

"We made much more cash than anyone thought due to tariffs," he added.

Trump has beforehand steered sending a $2,000 dividend examine to low- and middle-income People, distributed from tariff income, although he didn't tackle that proposal on Wednesday.

In the course of the almost 20-minute tackle, a visibly agitated Trump bashed the Biden administration on immigration, crime and the economic system -- a key concern for People, in response to latest polls. He talked about the phrase "affordability" -- which he as soon as derided as a Democratic hoax -- guilty his predecessor for top costs.

Trump mentioned he was engaged on decreasing the prices of groceries, medication and vitality and was going after "the large medical health insurance corporations" to cut back well being care prices.

President Donald Trump delivers an tackle to the Nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White Home, Dec. 17, 2025.

ABC Information

He mentioned he'll quickly announce the subsequent chairman of the Federal Reserve, teasing that it will likely be "somebody who believes in decrease rates of interest by so much," and subsequent 12 months mentioned he'll announce "among the most aggressive housing reform plans in American historical past."

He additionally touted private-sector job development. Total, whereas unemployment stays low by historic requirements, the unemployment price ticked as much as its highest stage in 4 years within the newest jobs report.

"Our nation is robust. America is revered, and our nation is again stronger than ever earlier than," Trump mentioned. "We're poised for an financial increase the likes of which the world has by no means seen."

Wednesday evening's remarks from the Diplomatic Room got here as Trump faces low approval rankings, notably on the economic system amid a slowdown in hiring and an uptick in inflation.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after stepping off Air Pressure One at Joint Base Andrews, December 17, 2025 upon return from Dover Air Pressure Base in Delaware.

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A Quinnipiac College ballot revealed Wednesday discovered most People mentioned the economic system is essentially the most pressing subject going through the nation immediately, and simply 40% of People approve of how Trump has dealt with it.

Total, 40% of People approve of the best way Trump is dealing with his job whereas 54% disapprove, in response to the ballot.

Pocketbook points have dominated this 12 months's off-year elections and are anticipated to be the defining subject of the 2026 midterm elections when Republicans attempt to preserve their management of Congress.

Trump's remarks got here amid a well being care showdown on Capitol Hill as hundreds of thousands of People are set to face larger premium prices in 2026 attributable to expiring Reasonably priced Care Act subsidies.

Throughout his speech, Trump once more floated his thought, with out offering specifics, that People may get cash instantly from the federal government to buy well being care.