US President Donald Trump has announced a one-time Christmas bonus of $1,776 (around ₹1.60 lakh) for American soldiers, describing the payment as a “warriors’ profit share” in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
The amount has been deliberately set at $1,776, a nod to 1776—the year the United States was founded—adding patriotic significance to the announcement. Trump said more than 100,000 service members are expected to benefit from the move.
According to the announcement, the bonus will be funded from revenues generated through higher tariffs imposed by the US on various countries. Trump asserted that if such policies yield profits, no one deserves the share more than the men and women serving in uniform.
Eligibility will be determined by pay grade and duty status. Active-duty personnel in pay grades O-6 and below as of November 30, 2025 will qualify, along with members of the Reserve components who have served 31 days or more on active-duty orders up to that date. The payment will be issued as a one-time benefit.
The announcement comes amid rising inflation and increasing living costs in the United States, with many Americans facing economic strain. While tariff-driven policies have been linked to higher prices and job market pressures, Trump framed the bonus as a timely acknowledgement of the armed forces’ commitment to the nation.
The move blends patriotic symbolism with financial relief, positioning the Christmas bonus as both a morale booster for troops and a statement of priority for those serving the country.
