Trump touts tariffs, border control, war diplomacy in national address
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his claim that his administration helped settle at least eight wars worldwide within the first 10 months of his second term, while aggressively defending his tariff-driven economic agenda.
Addressing the nation to outline his administration’s 2026 policy agenda, Trump said he had restored American strength at home and abroad, even as opinion polls show slipping public approval.
“I’ve restored American strength, settled eight wars in 10 months, destroyed the Iran nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing for the first time in 3,000 years peace to the Middle East,” Trump said during the address.
The Republican president also reiterated his fondness for tariffs, calling them his “most favourite word”, despite criticism that his trade policies have disrupted global markets and contributed to higher prices for consumers.
“Already, I have secured a record-breaking $18 trillion of investment into the United States. Much of this success has been accomplished by tariffs,” Trump said, arguing that the policy has driven companies to relocate manufacturing to the US.
“Companies know that if they build in America, there are no tariffs. That’s why they are coming home in record numbers,” he added.
Trump blamed the previous Biden administration for what he described as a national “mess”, listing grievances ranging from immigration and crime to trade deals and federal governance.
“For the last four years, the United States was ruled by politicians who fought only for insiders, illegal aliens, career criminals and foreign nations that took advantage of us,” he said, adding that his return to office had rapidly reversed the country’s fortunes.
On immigration, Trump claimed unprecedented success in border enforcement, asserting that “zero illegal aliens” had entered the US since he returned to the White House.
“Starting on day one, I took immediate action to stop the invasion of our southern border. For the past seven months, zero illegal aliens have been allowed into our country,” he said.
The US Commander-in-Chief also announced a one-time “warrior dividend” for more than 1.45 million active-duty service members, calling it an early Christmas gift.
“We are sending every soldier $1,776, in honour of our nation’s founding in 1776,” Trump said.
Trump’s war claims under scrutiny
While the Trump administration has played a role in facilitating ceasefires and diplomatic efforts in several conflicts, experts have questioned the president’s claim of ending eight wars.
Trump has previously taken credit for resolving a “war” between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River, which was in fact a long-running diplomatic dispute. He has also cited a peace effort between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, despite continued violence following a US-brokered agreement.
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