State of the Union Highlights Economy, Immigration and Diplomatic Stance
By Chris Williams
Washington –
President Donald Trump delivered wh at has gone down as the longest State of the Union address in American history, clocking in at nearly one hour and 47 minutes, as he painted a picture of a thriving nation under his leadership.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress on 24 February 2026, Trump focused on his administration’s wins in the economy, tough stance on immigration, and a firm diplomatic approach that puts America first.
This speech, his first official State of the Union since returning to office for a second term, came amid falling approval ratings and ahead of the midterm elections, where he urged voters to keep Republicans in control to build on what he called a “turnaround for the ages.”
The Longest Address: A Mix of Triumph and Tension
Trump’s speech broke records not just for its length but for its lively, campaign-like energy, blending cheers for American heroes with sharp jabs at Democrats.
He started strong, highlighting how he inherited a nation in crisis with high inflation and a weak economy, but quickly shifted to celebrate progress.
The address lasted longer than any before it, beating previous marks by over 20 minutes, allowing Trump to dive deep into his policies while engaging the crowd with applause lines and dramatic pauses.
Tensions flared during the night, with some Democratic lawmakers responding vocally to his comments on immigration and crime.
A few even skipped the event altogether, while others like Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib voiced their disagreement from the floor. One lawmaker, Representative Al Green from Texas, was escorted out after a heated exchange.
Despite the drama, there were moments of unity, like standing ovations for everyday heroes recognised in the gallery, showing how the speech aimed to rally the base while reaching across the aisle on shared American values.
For those unfamiliar with the State of the Union, it is an annual tradition where the president updates Congress and the nation on key issues.
Trump’s version felt like a pep rally, full of optimism and boasts, but critics pointed out it glossed over challenges like ongoing affordability concerns for families struggling with costs.
Economic Wins Take Centre Stage
A big chunk of the speech—over the first hour—was dedicated to the economy, where Trump claimed his policies have sparked a “roaring” revival.
He boasted about plummeting inflation, fast-rising incomes, and low interest rates that are making life better for ordinary people.
Trump highlighted tax cuts, including no taxes on tips for service workers, and new “Trump accounts” as investment tools for newborns to build wealth from the start.
He defended his tariffs, calling a recent Supreme Court ruling against some emergency duties “unfortunate,” but vowed to keep them in place under other laws.
According to Trump, these measures have brought trillions in investments and forced other countries to strike fair trade deals.
He also announced plans to control household energy prices by getting tech companies to handle their own power needs for data centres, easing the burden on everyday users.
To put this in simple terms, tariffs are extra fees on imported goods, meant to protect local jobs but sometimes raising prices.
Trump argued his approach has worked, pointing to lower gas prices and a stronger economy than what he inherited from the previous administration.
However, fact-checks have shown some claims were stretched— inflation has dropped but not as dramatically as stated, and public sentiment remains sour with many feeling the pinch of high costs.
Trump urged Congress to pass more reforms, like a “One Big Beautiful Bill” to boost growth, framing the economy as his strongest suit ahead of the midterms.
Immigration: Defending a Hardline Approach
Immigration was another hot topic, with Trump touting his administration’s efforts to secure the border and deport those he called “illegal alien criminals.”
He celebrated reduced crossings at the southern border, claiming it has made the country safer and cut down on drug inflows through anti-drug boat strikes in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump avoided diving into the more controversial parts of his mass deportation drive, which has faced backlash after high-profile incidents, including the killings of two US citizens by immigration agents.
He blamed Democrats for blocking funds for the Department of Homeland Security, which led to a shutdown, and demanded full restoration to protect against “terrorists and murderers.”
Trump reframed his agenda as fixing what others broke, highlighting how his policies have restored order.
For clarity, mass deportations involve large-scale removals of undocumented people, often prioritising those with criminal records, but critics say it drains resources and harms communities.
Public approval for his handling of immigration has dipped to a record low of around 40%, down from higher marks earlier. Trump used the speech to push back, arguing that tough enforcement is key to public safety.
He made no mention of specific events like issues in Minneapolis, focusing instead on success stories and calling for more support from Congress to keep the momentum.
Diplomatic Stance: Peace Through Strength
On the world stage, Trump emphasised a “peace through strength” policy, meaning building up military might to deter enemies without unnecessary wars.
He made only a brief nod to China, instead zeroing in on the Western Hemisphere and vowing that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon” under his watch.
Trump highlighted cooling ties with some European allies and a rethink on NATO, favouring direct, strongman-style talks with leaders.
He celebrated his role in international hot spots, claiming enemies are “scared” thanks to a stacked military and police force. This approach, he said, has restored America’s spirit and global standing.
To explain for readers, “peace through strength” is about showing power to avoid conflicts, a nod to past presidents like Ronald Reagan.
Trump tied this to domestic wins, arguing a strong economy funds a robust defence. Critics noted the speech skimmed over foreign policy details, focusing more on home issues, but it signalled his intent to disrupt old alliances for what he sees as better deals.
He also announced that Vice President JD Vance would lead a “war on fraud” to root out waste and potentially balance the budget overnight by tackling scams. This ties into broader themes of efficiency and security, both at home and abroad.
Reactions: Divided Along Party Lines
The speech drew sharp divides. Republicans hailed it as a blueprint for success, praising Trump’s focus on the economy and security. They see it as a boost for the midterms, where keeping control of Congress is key to pushing more policies.
Democrats, however, called Trump “out of touch” and “in a bubble,” arguing he ignored real struggles like high living costs and overplayed his wins.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, in the Democratic response, slammed the immigration crackdown as a drain on law enforcement and hit hard on affordability.
Fact-checks revealed exaggerations, like on economic figures and immigration impacts, but the address energised Trump’s base with its upbeat tone.
Polls show his overall approval at its lowest since taking office again, around the mid-40s, amid frustrations over the economy and immigration enforcement.
Looking Ahead: Midterms and Beyond
As the 2026 midterms loom, Trump’s speech serves as a roadmap for Republicans: Stick to the economy, hammer immigration, and project strength abroad.
He warned that losing Congress could undo gains, urging voters to give his party two more years. For the nation, this means watching how these policies play out—will tariffs keep boosting jobs, or raise prices? Can immigration reforms balance security with humanity?
In the end, the record-breaking address was a bold sales pitch for Trump’s vision, blending achievements with attacks on opponents.
Whether it shifts public opinion remains to be seen, but it underscores the high stakes in American politics today, where economy, borders, and global ties shape the future for millions.
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