US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) used a nationally televised address to project his record on foreign policy, economic revival and military welfare, making a series of sweeping claims on wars, investment inflows, and a one-time payout for American troops ahead of Christmas.
Trump said the US had regained global strength, neutralised major security threats, and drawn unprecedented investment back into the country. He attributed the outcomes largely to his trade and tariff policies.
Trump claims end to Gaza war and ‘peace in the Middle East’
In his address to the nation, Trump said his administration had “settled eight wars in 10 months” and “destroyed the Iran nuclear threat,” asserting that the war in Gaza had ended under his leadership.
He went further to claim a historic breakthrough in the region, saying his actions had brought “for the first time in 3,000 years peace to the Middle East.” Trump also said the release of hostages held during the conflict had been secured, “both living and the dead.”
“I restored American strength, settled 8 wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza – bringing for the first time in 3000 years’ peace to the Middle East and secured the release of the hostages, both living and the dead.”
USD 18 trillion investment push tied to tariffs, Trump says
On the economic front, Trump said his administration had already secured a “record-breaking” USD 18 trillion in investment commitments to the United States, linking the inflows to his aggressive tariff regime.
“Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs; my favourite word — tariffs,” Trump said, arguing that companies were shifting manufacturing back to the US to avoid trade penalties.
According to Trump, firms now see building in America as the most viable option. “If they build in America, there are no tariffs,” he said, adding that factories and industrial plants were being set up at levels not seen in decades.
He said the investments would translate into new jobs, factory openings, wage growth, and stronger national security.
‘Warrior dividend’ announced for US troops before Christmas
In a move aimed at the armed forces, Trump announced a one-time “special warrior dividend” for military personnel, to be paid before Christmas.
He said more than 1.45 million service members would receive USD 1,776 each, linking the figure to the year of America’s founding. “In honour of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776,” he said.
“More than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special ‘warrior dividend’ before Christmas, in honor of our nation’s founding in 1776. We are sending every soldier $1,776.”
The address, heavy on claims of achievement and symbolism, comes as Trump continues to frame his presidency around strength, economic nationalism, and assertive foreign policy.