US President, Donald Trump has delivered an address to the nation from the White House, highlighting achievements and policies.
Although Presidents usually reserve White House addresses to the nation for major announcements, Trump used his speech to promote his narrative that the country is doing well as his popularity dwindles.
“Our nation is strong. America is respected, and our country is back stronger than ever before. We’re poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen.”
Donald Trump
Trump suggested that his tariffs, which are partly responsible for boosting consumer prices, would fund a new “warrior dividend” for 1.45 million military members, a payment that could ease some of the financial strains for many households.
The amount of $1,776 was a reference to next year’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
While painting a rosy picture of the economy, Trump suggested that if there were persisting issues, it is Biden’s fault, stressing that he “inherited a mess.”
Trump sought to blame Democrats for the likely increase in health insurance premiums as the subsidies tied to the 2010 Affordable Care Act are expiring. Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans have sought to address that issue, but Trump has pushed back and suggested instead that payments should go directly to the buyers of health insurance instead of the companies. The US President has yet to commit to a specific legislative fix.
Also, Trump blamed immigrants for the country’s problems, including the housing crisis.
“At the same time, illegal aliens stole American jobs and flooded emergency rooms getting free healthcare and education paid for by you – the American taxpayer. They also increased the cost of law enforcement by numbers so high that they are not even to be mentioned.”
Donald Trump
Numerous studies have shown that immigrants contribute far more to the economy than they take from it, powering vital sectors, including agriculture to feed the country and construction to build new homes.
A 2023 analysis by the American Immigration Council showed that immigrants paid more than $651bn in taxes that year and generated $1.7 trillion in economic activity.
Trump underscored his record of stemming unauthorised immigration at the southern border.
“We inherited the worst border anywhere in the world, and we quickly turned it into the strongest border in the history of our country. In other words, in a few short months, we went from worst to best.”
Donald Trump
The US President also argued that the cost of living is going down amid growing concerns about affordability.
Trump focused on domestic issues and only brushed over foreign policy, reiterating his unfounded claim that the Gaza truce he helped broker brought peace to the Middle East for the first time in 3,000 years.
In reality, Israel was founded in 1948, and the Gaza truce has not stopped the daily Israeli attacks in Palestine and across the region.
“I’ve restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing peace for the first time in 3,000 years, and secured the release of the hostages, both living and dead, here at home.”
Donald Trump
An Attempt To Rebuild Trump’s Popularity
Trump’s speech came at a crucial time as he tries to rebuild his steadily eroding popularity. Public polling shows most US adults are frustrated with his handling of the economy as inflation picked up after his tariffs raised prices and hiring slowed.
In 2026, Trump and his party face a referendum on their leadership as the nation heads into the midterm elections that will decide control of the House and the Senate.
The White House remarks were a chance for Trump to try to regain some momentum after Republican losses in this year’s elections raised questions about the durability of his coalition.
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