Trump unveils $1,776 'Warrior Dividend' for the military paid for by his tariffs
President Donald Trump announced during his address to the nation on Wednesday that his administration is sending a $1,776 dividend check to 1.45 million military members, paid for by revenue collected by Trump's tariffs.
Trump called the payment a "warrior dividend" and said the "checks are already in the mail." The payment was announced at a time when support for Trump's handling of the economy reached 36%, according to a recent poll, the lowest mark of his second administration.
"Because of tariffs, and the just-passed 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' tonight I am also proud to announce that more than 1.45 million military service members will receive a special what we call 'Warrior Dividend,'" Trump said. "In honor of our nation's founding in 1776, we are sending every military member $1,776."
Trump has previously floated the idea of sending Americans a $2,000 tariff rebate check, an idea that he has used to address voters' concerns about the economy. Affordability is the number one issue for voters ahead of the 2026 midterm, according to polls.
Trump has said "affordability" is a "Democratic hoax."