$1,776 Checks for the Military

"The potential announcement is in keeping with the sort of grand, dramatic gestures the president often favors. As the host of NBC's The Apprentice, he savored dramatic twists and tense cliffhangers, and as a Manhattan developer, he reveled in emblazoning his name in big, bold (often gold) letters on his properties, a trend that has continued into his presidency. In his first term, Trump included his full name ("President Donald J. Trump") just below the words "Economic Impact Payment" on stimulus checks,"

"The idea of $1,776 checks-which would go to every service member from the rank of private to colonel, or their equivalents-comes at a moment when Trump's relationship with the military is particularly complicated. Hegseth prompted widespread ridicule when he summoned hundreds of commanders from around the world to Washington for a bellicose speech unveiling new physical-fitness standards for the military. Despite running as an "America First" isolationist, Trump seems to be inching ever closer to a war with Venezuela"

A potential announcement would grant one-time $1,776 bonus checks to U.S. service members from private through colonel. The White House had not finalized whether the president would announce the bonuses during a 9 p.m. address, have Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth present them in a video, announce them another way, or abandon the idea. The proposal aligns with a pattern of dramatic, personalized gestures tied to patriotic symbolism. The move comes amid a fraught relationship with the military, public ridicule of Hegseth's actions, and increasing tensions that could edge the administration closer to conflict with Venezuela.

Read at The Atlantic