President Donald Trump just delivered a long-overdue salute to America’s bravest warriors with a stroke of his pen.
On Monday, Trump signed the Medal of Honor Act, H.R. 695, boosting the monthly pension for the nation’s highest military award recipients from roughly $1,406 to a far more respectable $5,625.
This isn’t just pocket change—it’s a nearly fourfold increase, taking the annual payout from about $16,880 to $67,500 for the 61 living recipients among over 3,515 honored since 1863.
Let’s be real: in a world obsessed with handing out participation trophies, it’s refreshing to see actual heroes get their due.
These Medal of Honor recipients, who’ve risked everything for our freedoms, have been scraping by on pensions that started at a measly $10 a month back in 1916, per the Army and Navy Medal of Honor Roll.
Even after bumps to $100 in 1961 and $1,000 in 2002, it’s been a slow climb—hardly matching the sacrifice of those who’ve earned this rare distinction.
Credit where it’s due: Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, who’s retiring soon, championed this cause with the Medal of Honor Act, proving not all politicians are out of touch.
“Medal of Honor recipients truly embody the best of our nation,” Nehls declared. Well said, but let’s hope this isn’t just lip service—actions like this bill speak louder than any speech.
“My bill, the Medal of Honor Act, eases their financial burden by increasing their special pension — ensuring they know that America is grateful for all they’ve done to serve our country and defend our freedoms,” Nehls added. It’s a solid step, though one wonders why it took so long to value valor over virtue-signaling pet projects.
Trump didn’t stop at one bill on Monday; he also signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, tackling substance abuse and mental health programs under the Department of Health and Human Services.
But let’s keep the spotlight on our heroes—Trump’s approval of the Medal of Honor Act is a rare bipartisan win in a swamp of endless bickering. It’s a reminder that some things, like honoring sacrifice, should transcend petty politics.
While progressive agendas often prioritize trendy causes, this move cuts through the noise to focus on those who’ve bled for the flag, not just waved it.
Think about it: only 61 living souls bear the weight of the Medal of Honor, a legacy stretching back over 160 years. That’s a tiny fraction of the thousands who’ve served, yet their impact is immeasurable.
This pension hike isn’t charity; it’s a debt we’ve owed for decades, finally paid with interest. In an era where government spending often feels like a black hole, here’s a cause conservatives and patriots can rally behind without hesitation.
