Trump accuses Nigerians of taking American jobs, promises changes in 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused migrants, including Nigerians, of taking American jobs while blaming his predecessor Joe Biden and the Democratic Party for rising living costs, as he sought to reassure Americans about the state of the economy nearly a year into his second term.

Speaking in a nationally televised address from the White House on Wednesday night, Mr Trump said he inherited a failing economy and was gradually turning it around. He insisted that prices of everyday essentials were beginning to fall, even as public frustration over inflation continues to weigh on his approval ratings.

“Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” Mr Trump said, arguing that his administration had made significant progress despite what he described as deliberate misinformation by political opponents.

Tariffs, jobs, and a bet on 2026

The president’s speech leaned heavily on familiar themes: aggressive trade policy, immigration crackdowns, and criticism of Democrats. Mr Trump defended his tariff regime, saying it was boosting domestic manufacturing, attracting investment, and generating revenue for government spending, including a surprise announcement of a one-off $1,776 “warrior dividend” for 1.45 million U.S. military personnel.

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He said the bonus payments would be funded through tariff revenues and symbolically tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. Mr Trump also predicted that the U.S. economy would surge next year, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

However, economists remain cautious. While tariffs have increased government revenue, they have also been linked to higher prices on imported goods, adding pressure to households already struggling with affordability. Recent labour data shows modest job growth driven largely by healthcare and construction, while manufacturing employment continues to decline.

Public sentiment reflects that unease. Polls released this week show a majority of Americans disapprove of Mr Trump’s handling of the economy, with inflation and cost of living ranking as top concerns. Despite his optimism, the president faces mounting political pressure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, as voters weigh promises of future prosperity against present economic realities.