December 19, 2025 1:45 am

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‘Our country is back,’ Trump declares in National Address

WASHINGTON, D.C.—President Donald J Trump on Wednesday evening declared that America has staged a dramatic comeback in just the first 11 months under his “America First” leadership, pulling the nation back from the brink of collapse and restoring prosperity, security, and global respect.

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President Donald J Trump address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Source: The White House.

Painting a picture of a country that was “dead” and failing a year ago under the Biden administration—plagued by soaring 48-year high inflation, an open-border “invasion,” and international ridicule—President Trump told viewers that his administration has delivered rapid, tangible results for hardworking citizens. He expressed optimism going into 2026, predicting an unprecedented economic boom and framing upcoming signature events like the World Cup, Olympics, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as fitting celebrations of renewed national pride.

“Our country is back, stronger than ever before!” Trump said.

The centerpiece of his 18-minute speech was the announcement of a one-time $1,776 “warrior dividend” payment to more than 1.45 million military service members before Christmas, symbolizing the year of the nation’s founding.

“Because of tariffs, along with the just passed One Big Beautiful Bill, tonight I am also proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special, we call, warrior dividend before Christmas,” Trump said. “In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending every soldier $1,776. Think of that. And the checks are already on the way.”

He credited the $200 billion in tariff revenues and a sweeping tax-cut package for the warrior dividend, amid what he called record military enlistment levels.

President Trump framed his administration’s record as a stark reversal from Biden era policies, which he blamed for high inflation, an open border “invasion,” crime, and global disrespect.

“Now you have a president who fights for the law-abiding, hardworking people of our country,” he declared.

On immigration, Trump highlighted a sharp decline in illegal crossings and ongoing efforts restoring safety to the nation’s most dangerous cities.

“Starting on day one, I took immediate action to stop the invasion of our southern border,” he said. “For the past seven months, zero illegal aliens have been allowed into our country, a feat which everyone said was absolutely impossible.”

He rejected claims from Democrats that legislation was needed to fix the border, stating, “As it turned out, we didn’t need legislation. We just needed a new president.”

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Slide shown by President Donald J Trump during his address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Source: Democrats Caused High Prices. President Trump Is Bringing Them Down. – The White House

President Trump described the border as shifting “from worst to best,” with mass deportations, a 94 percent reduction in drugs brought into the country by “ocean and sea,” and a 100 percent of net job creation now going to American-born citizens—a reversal from Biden-era trends.

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Slide shown by President Donald J Trump during his address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Source: Democrats Caused High Prices. President Trump Is Bringing Them Down. – The White House

Economically, Trump claimed rapid improvements to the cost-of-living for Americans including a 33% drop in Thanksgiving turkey prices from the prior year and an 82% decline in eggs since March. Gasoline was under $2.50 a gallon in much of the country, with some areas at $1.99, he said, adding that Real Wages had risen substantially, outpacing inflation, ranging from $1,048 to $3,336 depending on the industry sector—$1,300 for factory workers, $1,800 for construction workers, and $3,300 for miners.

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Slide shown by President Donald J Trump during his address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Source: Democrats Caused High Prices. President Trump Is Bringing Them Down. – The White House

All new jobs created were in the private sector, Trump stressed which he attributed to the treat of tariffs—his “favorite word”—against big international conglomerates. Trump shared that his administration has secured approximately $18 trillion in foreign investments in the United States, spurring companies to build in America and factory construction because of the treat of external tariffs on imported goods. The U.S., he added, is now poised to be economically the “hottest country anywhere in the world.”

President Trump also announced steep reductions in prescription drug prices—of 400 to 600 percent—starting January 1, 2026, via a new website, Trumprx.gov, achieved through negotiations and again, tariff threats; plans for healthcare at a lower cost; and improving housing affordability, with the yearly cost of a typical new mortgage decreased by approximately $3,000.

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Slide shown by President Donald J Trump during his address to the Nation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Source: Democrats Caused High Prices. President Trump Is Bringing Them Down. – The White House

His major tax-cut bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, potentially saving families $11,000 to $20,000 annually, Trump said, with record refunds expected in spring of 2026.

Trump also touted energy reforms, including a day-one national emergency executive order leading to lower costs and plans for the construction of 1,600 new power plants.

Foreign policy achievements Trump mentioned included settling eight wars, destroying Iran’s nuclear threat, and bringing peace to the Middle East for the first time in 3,000 years, ending the Gaza war, and securing hostage releases from Hamas.

“To each and every one of you, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you all,” Trump concluded in his address to the Nation.

Mario Lotmore
Author: Mario Lotmore

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