What did Donald Trump say in his highly anticipated address to the nation?



In a crucial year leading up to the midterm elections, the message was clear: Trump is not defending himself; he is counterattacking.

Photo © X/The White House

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, delivered a national address on Wednesday filled with economic announcements, attacks on the Biden Administration, promises to the Armed Forces, and messages about immigration, energy, and health.

During 18 minutes, in prime time and from the White House, the president chose a combative and fast-paced tone in an attempt to regain political momentum after a year marked by inflation and a drop in his approval rating.

Trump resorted to a direct style filled with self-satisfied phrases, highlighting that in a short time, the United States has gone "from worst to best," and proclaiming that "we are the sexiest country in the world," a claim he attributed to foreign leaders.

In that same vein, he added: "what we have done, no one else has ever done."

Next, we present a thematic overview of the key phrases and promises from the speech.

1. Economy: “We are on the verge of an economic boom like the world has never seen.”

One of the central themes of the speech was the economy. Trump presented a defiant stance against the pessimism reflected in the polls and emphatically defended his economic management:

"Eleven months ago, I inherited a disaster, and I am fixing it."

"We are on the brink of an economic boom like the world has never seen."

“We earned much more money than anyone expected with the tariffs.”

"Salaries are rising faster than inflation."

"We have reduced the prices of medications by 400, 500, and even 600%."

"They are building factories and plants at an unprecedented pace."

The official presented charts on investments, wage growth, and price reductions. He stated that the cost of cars has decreased by 22% and that gasoline is priced at "2.50 dollars per gallon."

In addition, he repeated a phrase he had used in other public appearances: "We are the most attractive country anywhere in the world."

2. The "warrior's dividend": Christmas checks for the military

Trump announced an extraordinary payment to the Armed Forces, linked to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

"1,450,000 soldiers will receive the warrior's dividend."

"It will be 1,776 dollars for each one."

"The checks are on their way."

He assured that the payment will be financed with revenue from tariffs.

The sum of $1,776 was chosen for its symbolic value, alluding to the year of American independence.

3. Immigration and attacks on Biden: "Our country was a subject of mockery... but they no longer laugh"

Trump dedicated extensive passages to criticizing the immigration policies of his predecessor:

"Biden allowed millions and millions of migrants to enter the country... coming from prisons, jails, mental institutions, and asylums."

"They flooded the cities and towns with illegal immigrants."

“They unleashed a level of violent criminals that we had never witnessed before.”

"Illegal immigrants stole our jobs."

He assured that his government prioritizes "law-abiding and hardworking citizens" and stated:

"For the first time in 50 years, we are witnessing a reverse migration."

"More housing and more jobs for Americans."

It even linked immigration policy to the cost of living:

"One of the main factors driving up housing costs is the colossal border invasion."

4. Health reform: "We are going to put an end to that."

In what he called an offensive against the current healthcare system, Trump declared:

"They will receive much better healthcare at a lower price."

“We will give the money directly to the people so they can purchase their own healthcare.”

"The only losers will be the insurance companies and the Democratic Party."

The president renewed his promise to dismantle the so-called 'Obamacare,' without yet offering a specific alternative for those currently receiving subsidies.

5. Housing and energy: promises for 2026

Looking ahead to the next year, Trump announced large-scale plans:

"I'm going to announce some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in the history of the United States."

“In the next 12 months, we will open 1,600 new power generation plants.”

"The prices of electricity will drop drastically."

His proposals aim to directly link energy policy, access to housing, and migration control.

6. Venezuela: military references without a formal declaration of war

Despite speculation about a possible war announcement, Trump did not declare war on Venezuela during his speech.

However, he did make direct references to military operations in the region:

"I have almost finished with the drugs entering the country."

"We have the most powerful Armed Forces in the world."

Weeks ago, the Trump administration had ordered attacks against alleged drug boats near the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia, leaving at least 90 dead in a series of recent bombings.

Additionally, the president has promised a naval blockade on the transportation of Venezuelan oil and has suggested that ground attacks could begin "very soon."

In parallel, the government of Nicolás Maduro filed a complaint with the UN Security Council, accusing the U.S. of "open and criminal aggression" and demanding an urgent meeting.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's speech was not an institutional message of national unity, but rather a carefully crafted political act intended to reinforce his leadership, attack his opponents, and mobilize his voters.

From economic bonuses to promises of factories and deportations, the president presented a polarized vision of the country, with figures difficult to verify and a narrative of success in stark contrast to the pessimism reflected in the polls.

The economy, immigration, the healthcare system, and military operations in the hemisphere were the main focuses. In a crucial year leading up to the midterm elections, the message was clear: Trump is not just defending himself; he is counterattacking.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.