WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night, speaking for about an hour and 47 minutes, a record that surpassed the length of his address to a joint session of Congress last year.
The speech came days after the Supreme Court struck down his signature global tariffs and at a time when his approval ratings were near the lowest levels of either of his terms, according to polling cited by CNN. It offered a preview of the message Republicans are expected to carry into November’s midterm elections.
Immigration Takes Center Stage
Trump returned repeatedly to immigration, recognizing so-called “angel moms” whose children were killed by people in the country illegally and arguing that electing Democrats would mean reopening the border. He challenged lawmakers to stand if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
Republicans rose and applauded at length, while most Democrats remained seated. Trump told them they “should be ashamed.” Democratic Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota shouted at the president, despite warnings from party leaders against outbursts.
Polling shows public approval of Trump’s handling of immigration has declined, driven in part by controversy over federal enforcement operations in Minneapolis and elsewhere, though surveys also indicate voters still tend to trust Republicans more than Democrats on the issue.
Economy and Tariffs
Trump told lawmakers the country was “winning so much,” pointing to economic growth, lower drug prices and his trade policies. He did not repeat the sharp criticism of the justices he had voiced after Friday’s tariff ruling, instead asserting that he retains significant leverage through other tariff authorities, a claim trade experts have questioned.
On foreign policy, Trump said he preferred a diplomatic resolution with Iran but warned that the United States would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Guests and Honors
The address featured several invited guests, including members of the U.S. men’s hockey team. Trump said goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also recognized service members and guests connected to Venezuela’s former political prisoners.
Political Stakes
Midterm elections historically favor the party out of power, and Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress. Strategists in both parties view affordability and the cost of living as central issues for voters this year.
The State of the Union is a constitutional obligation; Article II requires the president to “from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union.” The televised evening address before a joint session has become a fixture of the political calendar since the mid-20th century.
Sources & Credits
- CNN: Takeaways from Donald Trump's State of the Union address
- Associated Press: Trump boasts in State of the Union that US is 'winning so much'
Image: President Donald J. Trump, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
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