Thu Dec 18 02:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
Trump Considers $1,776 Bonuses for Service Members Amidst Complicated Relationship with Military
Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a dramatic announcement tonight, potentially revealing one-time bonus checks of $1,776 for many U.S. service members, from the rank of private to colonel. The move, reminiscent of Trump’s penchant for grand gestures during his time on “The Apprentice”, comes at a time when his relationship with the military is under scrutiny.
The White House is still finalizing its plans and may opt for an alternative method to announce the bonuses, or forgo them altogether. Other options being discussed involve Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharing the news in a video announcement.
While supporters would likely hail the bonuses as a sign of the President’s appreciation for the military, critics suggest the move could be seen as an attempt to buy loyalty. The potential $2 billion cost would be drawn from the defense budget, though officials have not specified what programs would be cut to accommodate the payments. Generals and admirals would be excluded from the potential bonuses.
The consideration of these bonuses comes amid rising tensions in Venezuela, with Trump authorizing military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean. This action, coupled with the earlier summoning of hundreds of commanders for a bellicose speech unveiling new physical-fitness standards for the military has prompted concerns from critics and internal dissention.
This comes on the heels of a 3.8% pay raise and an increase in additional pay for those separated from their families for over 30 days, included in a recent Senate bill allotting over $900 billion for defense. That bill also bans transgender women from participating in women’s sports at military service academies. The President recently met with relatives of fallen soldiers in Delaware as well.
First Piper 