Trump confirms nearly all troops received warrior dividend: 'You've earned it'

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Trump shared a cheerful update on Christmas Eve while sitting alongside first lady Melania Trump on Wednesday, December 24.

In his address, Trump praised the country’s current state and expressed gratitude for the dedication of the armed forces to the nation.

Donald Trump highlights warrior dividend for military personnel

Trump spoke to reporters about the bonus, saying, "$1,776. And, you know, in case you're not aware of it, it's tax-free. You don't have to pay tax."

He further emphasized the benefit of the bonus, noting its full value, "In other words, you don't have to send half of it back to the government 15 minutes after you get it. You don't have to send anything back. So that's $1,776."

He also emphasized the timing of the bonus, saying, "It's tax-free. And we've distributed just about all of it in time for Christmas. And you've earned it."

Trump further claimed, "Nobody else is going to do that for you. That I can tell you. It was $1,775."

Sharing the story behind the figure, he said, "And I said, you know, if you had $1, it's $1,776. And everyone said, well, we never thought of it. But that $1 was pretty cool."

Trump then proudly reiterated, "Last week, I also signed a 3.8 per cent pay raise for every soldier, sailor, airman, coast guardsman, space guardian, and marine."

He also highlighted the benefits of his trade policies, saying, "We're taking in hundreds of billions of dollars from tariffs that have really made us stronger and much richer and given us great national security."

He then added, "So, it's, it's been a good time for you. The country is doing well."

Warrior dividends honor 250 Years of military service

In his special address previously on Wednesday, December 17, Trump announced that US service members would receive a $1,776 bonus, dubbed the "warrior dividend" ahead of Christmas.

Trump, who unveiled the plan in a White House address centered on affordability, said the bonus amount was inspired by the year of the nation’s founding.

The White House later said in a statement that the money is "to both thank them for their military service and to commemorate the 250 years the US military has been defending the nation."

According to the White House, the "warrior dividend" is a one-time pay increase for the nation’s 1.45 million military service members.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a video message, "1776; as you know, our great nation was founded in the crucible of revolution in that year."

"As he announced to the nation last night, thanks to President Trump's unwavering commitment to our warriors and the provisions provided in the One Big, Beautiful Bill," Hegseth said.

He further claimed, "More than 1.45 million service members will, in the coming days, receive a one-time tax-free bonus of $1,776."