Donald Trump's First Address to the Nation in His Second Term

President Donald Trump’s address to the nation, delivered live from the White House in December 2025, is an official speech presenting the administration’s accomplishments during the first year of his second term. The approximately 20-minute address was broadcast simultaneously across national television networks and digital platforms. Key topics highlighted in the speech included the economy, border security, trade policies, employment, measures targeting military personnel, and foreign policy.

Timing and Broadcast of the Address

The address to the nation garnered public attention between 17 and 18 December 2025 and was interpreted as an end-of-year assessment of U.S. domestic politics. It is recorded as one of Trump’s first comprehensive national addresses during his second presidential term.

Economic Policies and Assessments

Trump devoted a significant portion of his speech to economic policies. He noted that the economic situation inherited at the start of his term was marked by high inflation and rising living costs. He stated that inflation had reached its highest levels in many years but asserted that under his administration price increases had been halted and prices for several essential consumer goods had declined. Trump claimed that wage growth had outpaced inflation and that real incomes had risen. He also emphasized that all job growth had originated in the private sector and highlighted that large-scale investments had flowed into the United States.

Trade, Tariffs, and Tax Policies

Trade policy occupied a central place in the speech. Trump defined customs tariffs as one of the key tools for enhancing the economic strength of the United States. He argued that tariffs had increased investment volumes and improved trade balances. He also referred to upcoming tax reforms for the next year, asserting that the effects of comprehensive tax cuts would become evident and that the new tax period would result in substantial tax refunds.

Energy, Health, and Housing Policies

Trump stated that on his first day in office he declared a National Energy Emergency and reported a decline in energy costs. He mentioned ongoing negotiations with pharmaceutical companies aimed at reducing drug prices and outlined that significant cost reductions in this sector were targeted.

He also indicated that the new chair of the Federal Reserve would be announced soon and that a reduction in interest rates was anticipated. Regarding housing loans and mortgage payments, he stated that comprehensive housing reform plans would be unveiled in the coming year.

Measures Targeting Military Personnel

One of the notable elements of the speech was the financial recognition for U.S. military personnel. Trump announced that before Christmas, bonus checks amounting to 1776 dollars—named in honor of the year of the nation’s founding—would be sent to over 1.4 million service members. This initiative was presented directly in the speech as a concrete measure of support for defense personnel.

Border Security and Immigration Policies

Trump defined border security as a matter of national security and placed policies in this area at the center of his speech. He claimed that under the previous administration borders had not been adequately protected and asserted that under his presidency illegal immigration had been substantially curtailed.

He argued that illegal crossings at the southern border had been reduced to zero due to measures implemented and confirmed that this policy would continue. He also noted a significant decline in the amount of narcotics entering the country via sea and land routes.

Foreign Policy and Focus on the Middle East

Trump addressed foreign policy in a limited section of the speech. He referred to diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, highlighting the ceasefire process in Gaza, steps taken regarding Iran’s nuclear capacity, and the resolution of regional conflicts. In this context, he stated that various conflicts had been resolved and that processes for the release of prisoners were underway.

Media and Public Reception

The address to the nation received varied coverage in U.S. and international media. Some analyses emphasized the speech’s focus on economic achievements, while others evaluated it alongside public opinion polls and levels of economic satisfaction. The speech was widely regarded as a document outlining the priorities and policy framework of the Trump administration at the end of the year.