Washington, United States. President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday to claim he had ushered in “the golden age of America,” projecting success as approval ratings sag and voters express frustration ahead of November’s midterm election.
Economic focus amid midterm concerns
Trump, responding to concerns from Republican lawmakers about potentially losing their congressional majority later this year, spent the first hour of his televised speech focusing on the economy. He said he had slowed inflation, driven the stock market to record highs, signed sweeping tax cuts and lowered drug prices.
It remained unclear whether his assessment would ease public anger about the cost of living. Trump blamed his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, for high prices, while opinion polls show voters hold Trump responsible for not doing more to address an affordability crisis after he campaigned heavily on the issue.
Speech atmosphere and partisan reactions
“Our nation is back — bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” Trump said as he took the stage to chants of “USA, USA” from Republicans in Congress. Dozens of seats on the Democratic side were empty, reflecting that many lawmakers skipped the speech to attend anti-Trump rallies outside.
The address came as polls show a majority of Americans dissatisfied with Trump’s performance, anxieties rising over Iran, and his tariff policy facing setbacks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of his import taxes.
Immigration clashes and prepared remarks
For much of the speech, Trump largely adhered to prepared remarks and avoided his usual digressions. He became combative while discussing his immigration crackdown and exchanged shouted insults with several Democratic lawmakers.
Olympic recognition and medals
Trump added spectacle by highlighting what he called U.S. “winning” during his term and introducing members of the U.S. men’s ice hockey team, who entered the chamber wearing gold medals they won at the Winter Olympics on Sunday. He said the team’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of about half a dozen medals presented to various guests during the event.
Length of speech and economic data
Trump, 79, spoke for about 1 hour and 47 minutes, breaking the record he set last year for the longest presidential address to Congress. While he said inflation is “plummeting,” prices for groceries, housing, insurance and utilities remain significantly higher than a few years ago. Data released on Friday showed the economy slowed more than expected last quarter while inflation accelerated.
How do you assess the claims made in the address against current economic conditions you are experiencing?
