President Donald Trump announced that his administration will issue a $1,776 dividend check to approximately 1.45 million active-duty military members and service personnel.
According to the president, the payments will be funded entirely through revenue generated by U.S. tariffs, which his administration has argued are bringing in substantial income from foreign trade partners. Trump described the initiative as a way to directly return that revenue to Americans who serve the country.
“This money is coming from tariffs — not from raising taxes on our citizens,” Trump said during the address. “And it’s going to the men and women who protect this nation every single day.”
The $1,776 figure, the president noted, was chosen for its symbolic connection to America’s founding year, framing the payment as both a financial benefit and a gesture of appreciation tied to national history.
The dividend is expected to be distributed to eligible military members, including active-duty personnel and certain reserve and National Guard members, with details on eligibility and payment timelines to be released by the Department of Defense in coordination with the Treasury Department.
Administration officials said the program is intended to recognize the sacrifices of service members while demonstrating what they describe as the economic benefits of the tariff policy. Trump emphasized that the payments would not increase the federal deficit, reiterating his long-standing position that tariffs shift financial responsibility away from American workers and onto foreign exporters.
The announcement immediately drew national attention, with supporters praising the move as a tangible show of support for the military, while critics questioned the long-term sustainability of tariff-funded programs.
Further guidance on when the checks will be issued and how recipients will receive them is expected in the coming days.