Trump Sets Speech Record While Facing Midterm Test
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in U.S. history on Tuesday, using a 1-hour, 48-minute speech to defend his economic record, double down on tariffs and immigration, and frame the upcoming midterm elections as a pivotal test of his second-term agenda.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump delivered the longest State of the Union on record at 1 hour, 48 minutes.
- He defended his economic policies despite mixed growth data.
- The president remained defiant after a Supreme Court setback on tariffs.
- Immigration and Iran featured prominently in a highly partisan address.
The address surpassed the previous record of 1 hour and 28 minutes set by former President Bill Clinton in 2000. Trump opened and closed the speech with sweeping declarations about the country’s resurgence, telling lawmakers and viewers at home that the U.S. was “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”
The remarks come at a politically sensitive moment. Trump’s approval ratings have slipped in recent weeks, and November’s midterm elections will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress – a key factor in advancing his legislative priorities.
Economy Front and Center
Trump framed the U.S. economy as “roaring,” citing strong job growth and Wall Street performance. He acknowledged easing inflation but characterized price pressures as rapidly declining under his administration.
Recent data, however, show inflation has moderated rather than collapsed. January figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated food prices were still 2.9% higher than a year earlier, underscoring persistent affordability concerns.
Polls suggest public confidence in Trump’s handling of the economy has weakened, particularly around cost-of-living issues. The president attributed high prices to policies enacted under former President Joe Biden, arguing his administration is reversing those effects.
Trump also promoted initiatives including his TrumpRx prescription drug platform and an executive order aimed at limiting bulk purchases of single-family homes by large Wall Street firms. He said agreements with technology companies would help prevent AI-driven electricity demand from raising utility costs.
Defiance After Tariff Ruling
The president struck a combative tone after the Supreme Court ruled that large portions of his previously announced reciprocal tariffs were unlawful. The decision marked one of the most significant judicial setbacks of his presidency.
Trump described the ruling as “very unfortunate” but said his administration had implemented a new 10% global tariff under alternative legal authorities. He signaled a desire to raise that rate to 15% and insisted congressional approval would not be required.
The renewed tariff push underscores Trump’s continued emphasis on protectionist trade policy as a pillar of his economic strategy.
Immigration Sparks Protests
Immigration featured heavily in the speech, with Trump defending his border policies and linking migration to crime – a claim disputed by multiple studies showing migrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born citizens.
Democratic lawmakers protested portions of the address. Representative Al Green was escorted from the chamber earlier in the evening after displaying a protest sign. Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib heckled the president during his remarks on immigration enforcement.
Trump framed the midterm elections as a referendum on border security and accused Democrats of undermining national interests.
Iran and National Security – Peace through strength
The president also addressed escalating tensions with Iran, reiterating claims that U.S. strikes last year had “obliterated” Tehran’s nuclear program. His remarks came days after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff suggested Iran could be close to developing a nuclear weapon.
Trump said Iran had not committed to forgoing nuclear arms, though Iranian officials have repeatedly denied seeking them. He warned that Tehran was developing missile capabilities that could eventually threaten the United States, while maintaining that he preferred a diplomatic resolution.
Throughout the address, Trump leaned into partisan rhetoric, casting Democrats as obstructing national renewal and portraying his administration as having intervened “just in the nick of time.”
Whether the speech reshapes voter sentiment remains uncertain. With approval ratings softening and midterms looming, the president’s sweeping claims of economic and geopolitical progress now face electoral scrutiny.
Donald Trump also praised NATO allies to spend more on defense.
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