WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump declared the country is booming, his opponents are "crazy," and his administration is engaged in unprecedented levels of "winning" in a defiant, marathon State of the Union address that comes as polls showed deep skepticism of his leadership heading into a crucial midterm election.
The president delivered a full-throated and intensely partisan defense of his policies amid a low point in his second term as he grapples with a major setback on tariffs, strong opposition to his immigration enforcement tactics, low approval ratings, and other challenges at home and abroad, including a partial government shutdown and a potential military conflict with Iran.
"We have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before and a turnaround for the ages," Trump said during the nearly one hour and 50-minute speech, the longest State of the Union in history, while lashing out at Democrats he accused of "destroying our country." An event that has become increasingly theatrical and partisan—former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech during his last State of the Union address—had dramatic moments and notable guests. Members of the gold medal-winning men’s U.S. hockey team were in attendance. Many Democrats were not, skipping the speech en masse to protest the administration’s policies.
Here are the top takeaways from Trump's State of the Union address. Trump's low approval rating on the economy presents a big challenge for the GOP heading into the midterms. The speech offered a prime opportunity to try to shift the narrative.
"The roaring economy is roaring like never before," Trump declared. The president claimed victory in bringing down the cost of living, pointing to gas and grocery prices, mortgage rates, and rent. He also offered a rosy view that clashes with public opinion and could have risks for his party. With many Americans giving the president poor marks for his handling of inflation in recent surveys, Trump continued to blame Democrats for high costs, saying, "You caused that problem." "Their policies created the high prices. Our policies are rapidly ending them," Trump added. "We are doing really well. Those prices are plummeting."
Inflation cooled to 2.4% in January but remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Trump’s approach to cost-of-living concerns risks seeming out of touch with Americans' financial anxieties, an issue that plagued former President Joe Biden. That the issue remains central was evident in his remarks, which led with the economy and highlighted policy proposals aimed at cutting costs, including targeting prescription drug prices, affordable housing, and energy prices.
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