Donald Trump reiterates his claim of ‘8 wars in 10 months’ and calls tariffs a key policy

US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that he helped resolve at least eight wars within the first 10 months of his second term, and used his State of the Nation address to defend his foreign and economic policies while attacking the Biden administration’s legacy. Outlining his administration’s 2026 agenda amid falling popularity ratings, the Republican president once again called tariffs a central pillar of his strategy, Called “tariffs” his “favorite word” and argued that the policy has reshaped global trade, as well as generated revenue for the United States. In his address, Trump said, “I restored American strength, settled 8 wars in 10 months, destroyed Iran’s nuclear threat and ended the war in Gaza, bringing peace to the Middle East for the first time in 3,000 years and securing the release of hostages, both living and dead.” He claimed that he had inherited “a messy situation” from the Biden administration “eleven months ago” and said his government was now “fixing it”. Trump presented tariffs as a powerful negotiating tool and insisted they have helped the U.S. get better deals abroad. The president also repeated a familiar list of complaints against his predecessor, criticizing “open” borders, rising crime, transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, the “worst trade deals ever” and a “sick and corrupt” federal government. He said, “The past four years Since, the United States has been ruled by politicians who fought only for insiders, illegal immigrants, professional criminals, corporate lobbyists, prisoners, terrorists, and, above all, foreign nations who took advantage of us on an unprecedented scale.” Trump also announced a one-time payment for members of the armed forces, which he described as a “special warrior dividend.” He said, “Tonight, I’m proud to announce that more than 1,450,000 military personnel will receive a special Warrior Dividend before Christmas. In honor of our nation’s founding in 1776, we are sending $1,776 to every soldier.” Reflecting on his return to office, Trump said, “In a matter of a few months, we went from the worst to the best.”