Washington: US President Donald Trump has once again asserted that his administration helped resolve at least eight wars within the first 10 months of
his second term, while defending his aggressive tariff policy as a key driver of economic revival in the United States.
Addressing the nation to outline his administration’s 2026 agenda amid slipping approval ratings, Trump said he had “restored American strength” by ending wars, neutralising threats and reshaping global trade dynamics. He claimed the Middle East had witnessed unprecedented peace following the end of the Gaza conflict and said his government had dismantled Iran’s nuclear threat.
Trump placed particular emphasis on tariffs, describing them as his “favourite word” and crediting them for securing what he called a historic $18 trillion in investments into the US economy. According to him, companies are relocating manufacturing back to America to avoid trade penalties, resulting in new factories, job creation, wage growth and enhanced national security.
He argued that decades of unfair trade practices by foreign nations had harmed American workers, but insisted those trends had now been reversed. “Companies know that if they build in America, there are no tariffs. That’s why they are coming home to the USA in record numbers. They are building factories and plants at levels we haven’t seen,” Trump said.
The president also launched a sharp attack on the previous Biden administration, claiming he inherited a country plagued by open borders, rising crime, poor trade deals and corruption. Trump alleged that past leadership prioritised foreign interests and illegal immigrants over American citizens, saying his return to office had shifted the country “from worst to best” within months.
On immigration, Trump reiterated that his administration had adopted a zero-tolerance approach, claiming that no illegal immigrants had entered the US since he resumed office, a claim disputed by critics and immigration experts.
In a surprise announcement, Trump unveiled a one-time “warrior dividend” for over 1.45 million military personnel, stating that each service member would receive $1,776 as a symbolic tribute to America’s founding year.
