President Donald Trump went on national television Wednesday night with a clear message: the economy is about to boom — and Joe Biden is to blame for the problems people are feeling right now.
Speaking live from the White House, Trump said he spent the past year cleaning up what he called a disaster left behind by the previous administration.
“Eleven months ago I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” the 79-year-old president told the country during his first full year back in office.
Trump is facing growing frustration from voters over high prices, especially the cost of gas and groceries. While he has brushed off some of that anger as a political attack by Democrats, many Republicans worry it could hurt them badly in the 2026 midterm elections.
Still, Trump insisted prices are coming down.
He told Americans that gas and food costs are “falling rapidly,” adding, “It’s not done yet. But boy, are we making progress.”
Then came a surprise.
Trump announced that 1.45 million U.S. military service members will each receive a $1,776 bonus check before Christmas. He called it a “warrior dividend” and said the money would come from tariff revenue. The amount, he explained, honors the year America was founded — with the nation’s 250th anniversary coming up next year.
Looking ahead, Trump made a bold promise.
He said the U.S. is on track for an economic boom “like the world has never seen” in 2026 — the same year America will co-host the FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Although the White House promoted the speech as a major outline of Trump’s economic plans for the rest of his term, much of the address focused on familiar attacks. Trump repeatedly criticized Biden, Democrats, and migrants, claiming they had taken American jobs.
The speech capped off a fast-moving year in which Trump has used strong presidential powers, including tighter immigration enforcement and moves against political opponents.
But polls suggest voters are focused on one thing above all else: the cost of living.
Many economists say Trump’s tariffs on global trading partners are part of what’s keeping prices high — the same issue that hurt Biden during his presidency after the Covid pandemic.
A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released Wednesday gave Trump his worst economic approval ratings yet. Fifty-seven percent of Americans said they disapproved of how he’s handling the economy. Another poll from YouGov showed 52 percent believe the economy is getting worse under his leadership.
Trump has also taken heat from his own MAGA supporters, who say he’s spending too much time on foreign issues like Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela instead of focusing on life at home.
In his speech, Trump avoided Ukraine and Venezuela, but he did brag about the Gaza ceasefire, U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, and what he called a war on drug traffickers.
Signs suggest Trump’s team is starting to feel the pressure.
With midterm elections getting closer, Republicans have already suffered losses — including major defeats in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey, and close races in areas they once considered safe.
Now, Trump is taking his message on the road.
Last week in Pennsylvania, he promised to “make America affordable again.” On Friday, he’s set to hold another rally in North Carolina.
Vice President JD Vance is also stepping in, urging voters to stay patient. Vance, who many believe is already thinking about a 2028 presidential run, told Americans this week that economic improvement takes time.
For now, Trump is betting big on one idea: that voters will feel relief soon — and believe his promise that better days are just around the corner.
