Speaking from the White House in a nationally televised address, President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging assessment of his administration’s first year in his second term. The speech emphasized economic performance, trade policy, and border enforcement, while touching only briefly on international affairs.

“An Unprecedented Transformation”

Trump opened by praising his administration’s record, arguing that Washington had undergone a profound transformation in less than a year. “In the past 11 months, we have delivered more positive change than any administration in American history. There is nothing comparable to it,” he said.

Describing the economic conditions inherited from former President Joe Biden as “near collapse,” Trump argued that his policies had reversed the trend. He pointed to tariffs as a key instrument in restoring US leverage in global trade and said the country had once again become a respected economic power.

“We Are Bringing Our Economy Back From The Brink”

Trump said inflation was at its highest level in nearly five decades when he took office, driving prices to record levels and making daily life unaffordable for millions of Americans. He summarized his agenda as “putting America first,” claiming that wages were rising while prices were falling.

Citing declines in the cost of automobiles, gasoline, and staple food items, Trump said prices were coming down rapidly. He added that, for the first time in years, wage growth was outpacing inflation.

$1,776 Bonuses For US Troops

One of the more striking announcements concerned the US military. Trump said more than 1.4 million active-duty service members would receive a $1,776 bonus ahead of Christmas, a symbolic reference to the year of America’s founding.

“Much Of This Success Is Thanks To Tariffs”

Turning to employment, Trump claimed that all job growth under his administration had occurred in the private sector. He reiterated that the US had attracted a record $18 trillion in investment, attributing much of that inflow to tariff policies.

He also said the impact of upcoming tax cuts would be felt next year, predicting what he called “the largest tax refund season in American history.”

Housing, Energy, And Drug Prices in Focus

Trump said negotiations with pharmaceutical companies would lead to reductions in drug prices of up to 600 percent. On energy, he recalled declaring a National Energy Emergency on his first day in office, arguing that gasoline prices had since fallen across much of the country.

He also pledged to unveil some of the most aggressive housing reform plans in US history in the coming year.

“The New Fed Chair Will Support Low Interest Rates”

One of the most closely watched moments of the speech came when Trump addressed monetary policy. He said he would soon name a new chair of the Federal Reserve who believes interest rates should be cut significantly.

According to Trump, lower rates would translate into reduced mortgage payments, with Americans beginning to feel the effects early in the new year.

Tough Rhetoric On Border Security

Trump described the erosion of border security under the Biden administration as one of its gravest failures, calling illegal immigration an “invasion.” He said the issue played a decisive role in his election victory.

He claimed that illegal border crossings had been reduced to zero under his leadership and argued that no new legislation was required to secure the border—only a change in leadership. Trump also said drug smuggling had declined by 94 percent.

Limited Foreign Policy Remarks

Trump made only brief references to foreign policy, touching on a ceasefire in Gaza and claiming that Iran’s nuclear threat had been eliminated. He argued that these developments had brought “historic peace” to the Middle East and enabled the release of hostages.

He avoided directly addressing rising tensions in Venezuela, a silence that has fueled speculation about potential military intentions and energy-related interests.