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- Trump pledges $1,776 bonus checks to military members funded by tariffs for Christmas.
- The announcement follows low economic approval ratings and growing concerns about affordability.
- It is questionable whether Trump can authorize checks without congressional approval.
President Donald Trump is promising more checks.
In an economic address to the nation that aired during prime time on Wednesday, Trump said $1,776 in bonus checks would be sent to military members for Christmas — and that tariffs are funding the payments.
It is unclear if the checks are legal and can be made without the approval of Congress, which has the constitutional power to enact a budget and appropriate funds.
The speech comes as Trump works to sell the nation on his economic plans.
According to a NPR/PBS News Marist Poll earlier in December, Trump's economic rating hit a low this term, with only 36% saying they approve of how the president is handling the economy.
In a recent interview with Politico, Trump said he would give his economy a grade of "A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus."
Trump is embarking on an economic tour across swing states to campaign for Republican candidates in the midterms. In his first stop in Philadelphia, he defended his tariffs and called the Democrats' criticism that his policies are driving up prices a "hoax."
Trump had also promised other checks in the past. He's floated such a $2,000 tariff dividend for every American below a certain income level, though congressional Republicans have balked at the idea. And he announced a $10,000 bonuse to select Transportation Security Administration employees for remaining at their posts during the 43-day federal government shutdown.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comments.
