Trump uses his State of the Union to defend his record, attack Democrats, and project strength as economic anxiety and political pressure mount.
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Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Photo by Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images |
President Donald Trump used his latest Trump’s State of the Union address to deliver a forceful defense of his administration, portraying the United States as stronger and more prosperous while launching sustained attacks on Democrats, the courts, and foreign adversaries.
Speaking before a divided Congress, Trump framed the moment as a turning point for his presidency. The address, which stretched nearly two hours and set a modern record for length, offered few major new policy announcements. Instead, it functioned as a political reset, designed to reassure supporters, challenge critics, and reassert control of the national narrative as the country heads toward high-stakes midterm elections.
“We have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen,” Trump said, insisting the nation was “bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before.” He promised that voters had “seen nothing yet,” signaling that confrontation, rather than compromise, would continue to define his leadership.
Trump’s State of the Union came at a pivotal juncture. Public opinion polls show widespread anxiety about the economy and skepticism toward the president’s policies. Approval ratings have slipped, and independents in particular have grown increasingly critical of his performance.
Rather than using the speech to seek bipartisan unity, Trump leaned into a campaign-style approach. The address blended patriotic spectacle with pointed political attacks, alternating between praise for military service members and Olympic athletes and sharp criticism of Democrats seated just feet away.
The president celebrated what he called a “roaring economy,” citing falling inflation and rising incomes. He claimed border security had been restored and argued that American power abroad had deterred enemies. Yet many of these assertions were met with silence or visible dissent from Democratic lawmakers, reflecting the polarized atmosphere inside the chamber.
Central to Trump’s State of the Union was an optimistic assessment of the economy. He argued that inflation was falling rapidly, wages were rising, and job creation was accelerating. Official data does show economic growth and stronger payroll gains in recent months, but those improvements followed a historically weak year for employment growth.
While wages have outpaced inflation overall, many households continue to feel pressure from high prices for housing, health care, energy, and food. Trump highlighted declines in the cost of gasoline and eggs, but he did not address persistent increases in electricity rates and other household expenses.
Independent analysts have also questioned Trump’s repeated claim that he inherited record-high inflation. By the time he took office, inflation had already begun to ease, even if prices remained elevated compared with pre-pandemic levels.
Despite the dramatic tone, policy specifics were limited. Trump floated a proposal for the federal government to match up to $1,000 in retirement savings for workers without access to employer-sponsored plans. White House officials later acknowledged the plan would rely on an existing program created under former President Joe Biden.
Trump also urged Congress to ban lawmakers and their families from trading individual stocks and to prohibit undocumented migrants from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. He did not explain why he now supports a congressional stock trading ban after previously opposing similar measures.
There was little indication that these proposals had bipartisan backing, underscoring how much the speech was aimed at shaping public perception rather than advancing legislation.
The most charged moments of Trump’s State of the Union came during exchanges with Democrats. The president used his call for a stock trading ban to criticize former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, prompting Democrats to shout accusations of corruption.
Trump also drew loud reactions when he accused immigrant communities in Minnesota of engaging in large-scale fraud, remarks that lawmakers said unfairly stigmatized entire populations. Representative Ilhan Omar responded by shouting that Trump’s policies had “killed Americans,” a moment that highlighted how raw the debate has become.
The president demanded that Democrats restore full funding to the Department of Homeland Security, accusing them of undermining border enforcement for political gain. Democrats countered that Trump’s own immigration policies had fueled chaos and humanitarian concerns.
Interspersed with confrontation were moments of solemnity and symbolism. Trump honored military veterans from World War II and the Korean War and awarded medals to service members wounded in recent deployments.
One of the most emotional segments involved the awarding of a Purple Heart to a National Guard staff sergeant wounded in an attack last year, along with recognition of the family of another Guard member who was killed. These moments briefly softened the tone of the evening, even as the broader message remained combative.
Trump also welcomed Olympic champions into the House chamber, praising them as examples of American excellence and resilience. The gesture echoed earlier State of the Union addresses that sought to highlight individual stories as reflections of national strength.
Unresolved tensions
On foreign policy, Trump adopted an assertive stance. He warned that Iran was once again pursuing nuclear weapons, despite his earlier claims that US military strikes had destroyed Tehran’s capabilities.
While Trump said he preferred diplomacy, he vowed never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. His administration is simultaneously increasing military deployments in the region while preparing for another round of talks, leaving uncertainty about whether force remains an option.
Trump also highlighted US actions in the Western Hemisphere, praising interventions against alleged drug trafficking networks and pointing to political change in Venezuela as evidence of American influence. He claimed the United States had secured millions of barrels of oil from Caracas, presenting the development as both an economic and strategic win.
The speech coincided with the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict Trump said he still intends to end through negotiations. He did not offer details, repeating instead his belief that the war would not have happened under his leadership.
Trump also criticized the Supreme Court of the United States for striking down his global tariff policy. Several justices who ruled against him were present in the chamber as he spoke. Despite the setback, Trump vowed to restore broad import taxes using alternative legal authorities, predicting tariff revenue could eventually replace income taxes — a claim widely disputed by economists.
Polling suggests Trump faces an uphill battle to convince voters that his economic vision is working. Surveys from organizations such as CNN and Washington Post show rising disapproval, particularly among independents.
Democrats believe the president’s tone and policy choices have opened a path to reclaim control of Congress. Trump, by contrast, urged Republicans to campaign aggressively on tax cuts, spending measures, and proposals to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits.
He also promoted initiatives aimed at lowering prescription drug costs and pushing technology companies to finance their own energy needs to prevent artificial intelligence expansion from driving up electricity prices.
Ultimately, Trump’s State of the Union was less about governing than about positioning. The address set the tone for an election cycle likely to be defined by sharp divisions, economic unease, and constant political conflict.
By doubling down on his record and attacking opponents rather than seeking common ground, Trump made clear that his strategy is to energize supporters and force rivals onto the defensive. Whether that approach will be enough to overcome voter fatigue and economic concerns remains one of the central questions as the United States moves closer to the midterm elections.
