Trump held live televised speechSpeech mainly focused on his administration’s achievements
US President Donald Trump has announced a $1,776 (£1,329) “warrior dividend” payment to 1.45m US servicemembers – paid for, in part, by his tariffs.
In a televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, Trump said that “checks are already on the way” and should arrive before Christmas.
In the address, Trump touted his record on the economy and immigration, while at the same time railing against Democrats.
Trump administration requested airtime from all US broadcasters to televise his speech live
Speech comes amid Trump’s steadily eroding approval rates over his handing of the US economy
President Donald Trump has made a speech boasting of his progress to make US “hottest country anywhere” amid an affordability crisis.
Trump speech praised achievements, bashed Biden presidency
President Donald Trump has made a speech boasting of his progress to make US “hottest country anywhere” amid an affordability crisis. DW has more.
President Donald Trump raises his hand as he speaks during an address to the nation from the White House on December 17, 2025, in Washington. Behind him are Christmas decorations and the US flag.
During the televised speech, US President Donald Trump touted his record during his first 11 months in
What you need to know
Trump held live televised speech
Speech mainly focused on his administration’s achievements
Trump administration requested airtime from all US broadcasters to televise his speech live
Speech comes amid Trump’s steadily eroding approval rates over his handing of the US economy
Follow DW for a roundup of Donald Trump’s speech and other news in the United States.
Trump speech exaggerates undocumented migration under Biden
Trump speech exaggerates undocumented migration under Biden
Two people pulling suitcases prepare to cross the border from Mexico to the United StatesTwo people pulling suitcases prepare to cross the border from Mexico to the United States
Trump used a significant part of his speech to praise his record on immigration.
He pointed to his efforts on tightening the US border and referred to mass deportations, saying his administration was removing criminals.
Trump also slammed former President Joe Biden for letting the United States be “invaded by an army of 25 million people” during his term.
Figures in the Trump administration have widely used this number since mid-2024 when Trump was running his presidential campaign.
But this number has widely been debunked by fact checkers.
It’s estimated that some 7.4 million undocumented immigrants crossed illegally in the US under Biden.
If undocumented migrants who cross at legal checkpoints are included, this figure would rise to just over 10 million people, according to broadcaster NBC and other US outlets.
