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President Donald J. Trump announced last night that nearly 1.5 million service members would receive a $1,776 bonus to both thank them for their military service and to commemorate the 250 years the U.S. military has been defending the nation.
The one-time pay bump is billed as the "Warrior Dividend."
"Tonight, I am ... proud to announce that ... 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special, we call, 'Warrior Dividend' before Christmas," Trump said during a White House speech to the nation. "In honor of our nation's founding in 1776, we are sending every $1,776."
And service members will not wait long to see that dividend, the president said.
"The checks are already on the way," he said. "Nobody deserves it more than our military, and I say, 'congratulations' to everybody."
The president also told the nation that, now more than ever, Americans are interested in joining the military.
"We now have record enlistment in our military," he said. "Last year, we had among the worst recruitment numbers in our military's history — a lot of difference a year makes."
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the dividend represents the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the history of the service military members have given in defense of the nation, even before its creation.
"1776; as you know, our great nation was founded in the crucible of revolution in that year," Hegseth said in a video posted to social media. "Now, as we enter the Christmas season, some 250 years later, we are proud to provide '1776' with a whole new modern meeting for our joint force. As he announced to the nation last night, thanks to President Trump's unwavering commitment to our warriors and the provisions provided in the One Big, Beautiful Bill, more than 1.45 million service members will, in the coming days, receive a one-time tax-free bonus of $1,776."
The dividend, he said, also illustrates the nation's commitment to military service members.
"This Warrior Dividend serves as yet another example of how the War Department is working to improve the quality of life for our military personnel and their families," Hegseth said. "All elements of what we're doing are to rebuild our military."
Money to pay for the Warrior Dividend came earlier this year as part of the president's One Big Beautiful Bill. Approximately 1.28 million active-duty and 174,000 reserve component military members will receive the dividend as a nontaxable supplement to their regular monthly housing allowance.
"We are grateful to President Trump, Chairman Wicker, Chairman Rogers and the other members of Congress who have made this Warrior Dividend possible through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act," said Jules W. Hurst III, who is performing the duties of comptroller for the War Department. "This payment is a 'thank you' from President Trump, the American people and Congress. The Department of War deeply appreciates the service of our military members and the sacrifices of their families."
Active-duty service members in the pay grades of O-6 and below as of Nov. 30, as well as reserve component service members on active-duty orders of 31 days or more as of Nov. 30, are eligible for this one-time payment. Service members can expect to see the payment before Dec. 20.
"To every American warrior, President Trump and I, and the War Department, have your back," Hegseth said. "Enjoy the Warrior Dividend. You've earned it. Thank you for your service, and we thank you for your sacrifice, and we wish you and your family a very merry Christmas."
