Overview
- Speaking for about 1 hour 48 minutes, the longest State of the Union on record, President Trump touted a “turnaround for the ages” and urged voters to keep Republicans in power despite sagging approval polls.
- Days after the Supreme Court struck down his use of emergency powers for global tariffs, he called the decision “unfortunate,” vowed to use alternative authorities, said “congressional action will not be necessary,” and predicted tariffs could eventually replace income taxes.
- Immigration dominated as he told lawmakers to stand if they believe government must protect citizens over “illegal aliens,” drawing Republican ovations, Democratic silence and heckling, widespread Democratic boycotts, and the ejection of Rep. Al Green after a protest sign.
- Trump unveiled domestic proposals including a federal-style retirement account with up to $1,000 in matching for workers lacking employer plans, a rate‑payer protection pledge pressing tech firms to shoulder data-center power needs, and calls to ban lawmaker stock trading and tighten voting rules.
- On Iran, he said he prefers diplomacy but would “never allow” Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon, referencing prior U.S. strikes and a regional military buildup that includes two aircraft carriers.