In an 18-minute televised address Wednesday night, President Donald Trump outlined his administration’s economic achievements and defended its policies amid declining approval ratings. He characterized the nation’s condition a year prior as stagnant, claiming it has since transformed into one of the most dynamic economies globally.
Trump attributed previous economic difficulties to the Biden administration, particularly citing high inflation during that period. While inflation was indeed elevated under Biden, economic experts note it did not reach historic levels and remains comparable to current figures. The president asserted he is actively reducing living costs, stating, “I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast.”
As part of his announcement, Trump revealed a new initiative to distribute $1,776 payments—dubbed “warrior dividends”—to all active military personnel. The figure aligns symbolically with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Additionally, he introduced a newly launched online platform aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, promising Americans more affordable healthcare access.
Political reactions were divided. John Dennis, a member of the California Republican Party’s board, praised the speech for reclaiming the national narrative and reminding the public of recent progress. In contrast, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona expressed skepticism, questioning the lack of concrete policy details behind the promises. He described the tone as unusually aggressive, asking why the president appeared so defensive.
University of San Francisco political science professor James Taylor observed that many citizens continue to feel financial strain despite optimistic messaging. He suggested that lived economic experiences may outweigh rhetorical efforts to portray broad improvement.
— news from NBC Bay Area
— News Original —
President Trump defends his economic policies in an 18-minute national address
Wednesday night, President Donald Trump spoke to the nation in an 18-minute, live address. During his speech, which spanned a variety of topics, the president made the case for why he thinks the country is better off since he took office. n nTrump described the country a year ago as “absolutely dead.” n n”Now, we ‘re the hottest country in the world,” he said. n nThe speech comes as President Trump ‘s approval ratings have dipped in recent polls, including NBC ‘s latest poll, which shows President Trump ‘s approval rating down one point from last month at 42%. n nDuring the speech, the president placed the blame for economic strife on President Biden ‘s administration, saying there was record-high inflation under his predecessor. While inflation was high under President Biden, economists say it was not record-setting and was roughly what it is now. n nTrump seemed to address the public ‘s concerns about the economy in his speech. n n”I am bringing those high prices down and bringing them down very fast,” he said. n nTrump also announced that his administration is sending out checks he is calling “warrior dividends” of $1,776 to all military members. The $1,776 amount is meant to coincide with the nation ‘s 250th birthday, which happens in 2026. n nThe president also announced a new website to lower prescription drug costs. n n”You, the people, are finally going to be getting good health care at a lower cost,” he said. n nJohn Dennis, who serves on the board of the California Republican Party, thought the president ‘s speech was an effective way to get the attention of the American people. n n”It was important for him to, sort of, I think get ahold of the narrative and remind people of where we were just 10 to 11 months ago,” Dennis said. n nBut Democratic Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) told MSNOW he is doubtful of the president ‘s promises. n n”He says this stuff is going to happen, there ‘s no policy. And I ‘m wondering why he ‘s so angry, desperate, and defensive,” Kelly said. n nUniversity of San Francisco Politics Professor James Taylor maintained that many Americans are feeling crushed by economic pressure, and that will likely shape how they see whoever is in office. n n”I think this may have been Donald Trump ‘s attempt to make us feel better as he told us how great we’re all doing, but again that presses against the reality that people are feeling every day int heir pockets right now,” Taylor said.