US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed what he called a “turnaround for the ages” during his State of the Union address, using the high-profile speech to push back against poor approval ratings and rally support ahead of the midterm elections.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress at the Capitol, Trump received loud applause and a standing ovation from Republican lawmakers, while many Democrats remained seated in protest.
“My fellow Americans, our nation is back — bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before,” Trump declared, striking a confident tone in the first State of the Union of his second term.
The 79-year-old president sought to convince voters of the successes of his first year back in office, even as opinion polls show him struggling. With Republicans holding only a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, party leaders have voiced concern about potential losses that could complicate the remainder of his term and revive impeachment risks.
Despite the political headwinds, Trump projected defiance.
“After just one year, we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before — a turnaround for the ages,” he said.
Capitalizing on patriotic fervor, Trump celebrated Team USA’s gold-medal Olympic ice hockey victory, inviting players into the chamber to enthusiastic chants. He also announced the Presidential Medal of Freedom for the team’s goaltender, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
According to reports from the New York Times, dozens of Democratic lawmakers chose to skip the address altogether.
Tough stance on foreign policy
With heightened tensions overseas, Trump used the speech to emphasize his national security posture. As US forces increased their presence near Iran, the president reiterated his willingness to act.
“As president, I will make peace wherever I can — but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must,” he said, according to prepared excerpts.
Trump also pointed to developments in Venezuela, claiming the country — following the January ouster of longtime leader Nicolas Maduro — had resumed oil shipments to the United States.
Lengthy address amid domestic challenges
Speculation surrounded the length of the speech, which was expected to rival Trump’s previous marathon appearances before lawmakers.
The president addressed a series of domestic controversies, including the Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down key elements of his tariff policies. While he briefly greeted several justices, Trump described the ruling as “very unfortunate,” despite earlier criticizing the court.
His administration has also faced scrutiny over immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis, the continuing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and a partial government shutdown.
Recent polling data underscored the challenges. A survey conducted by the Washington Post in partnership with ABC News and Ipsos placed Trump’s approval rating at 39 percent, with weaker numbers on economic management and inflation.
Symbolic guests and political messaging
As is customary for the annual address, invited guests drew attention. Trump acknowledged both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams, announcing plans to host the women’s squad at the White House after earlier tensions.
Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers brought guests tied to Epstein’s alleged victims, underscoring ongoing political and social divides reflected throughout the evening.
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