Whoopi Goldberg says Trump's giving troops a Christmas bonus ‘so they'll back him’ and what he wants
WASHINGTON, DC: Whoopi Goldberg suggested on Thursday, December 18, that President Donald Trump’s newly announced “warrior dividend” for US service members could be an attempt to secure unquestioning loyalty, raising constitutional concerns as the White House moves forward with a one-time cash bonus for troops ahead of Christmas.
Speaking on 'The View', Goldberg questioned Trump’s motives after he announced that nearly 1.5 million military service members would receive a $1,776 payment, a move the president framed as both a holiday bonus and a tribute to the nation’s founding.
Whoopi Goldberg questions Trump’s intent behind ‘warrior dividend’
TAKEAWAYS FROM TRUMP'S YEAR-END ADDRESS: 'The View' co-hosts question if Pres. Trump's Wednesday night address was effective as he defended the economy and touted his accomplishments. pic.twitter.com/PKqRTusai4
— The View (@TheView) December 18, 2025
During the daytime talk show, Goldberg argued that the bonus could be interpreted as an effort to ensure military support for controversial decisions.
“What he’s doing is thinking, ‘If I make sure the soldiers have what they need, they’ll back me and what I want, see?’” Goldberg said on 'The View'.
Goldberg also expressed skepticism about soldiers receiving the one-time payments. She also appeared to suggest that Trump may have plans that would require unquestioned backing from the armed forces, though she did not specify what those plans might be.
Trump announces $1,776 bonus for service members
Trump unveiled the “warrior dividend” during a prime-time White House address on Wednesday night, saying the funds were made possible through tariffs and a recently passed GOP spending and tax bill.
“And the checks are already on the way,” Trump said. “Nobody deserves it more than our military. And I say congratulations to everybody.”
The president said more than 1,450,000 military service members would receive the one-time payment, tying the $1,776 figure to the year of America’s founding as part of a broader patriotic message.
The announcement sparked debate among 'The View' co-hosts, with former Trump aide Alyssa Farah Griffin offering a more favorable assessment of the policy.
“This is the one thing I give him credit on,” Griffin said. However, she also noted that while financial help is needed, long-term solutions matter more.
“People need help, but all Americans need help right now, and just a handout isn’t the answer. Smart policies are,” she said.
Asked to respond during 'The Story with Martha MacCallum', Marine Dakota Meyer dismissed Goldberg outright. “The great thing is that my daughters and this next generation will grow up and not even know who Whoopi Goldberg is,” he said.
