WASHINGTON, D.C.—President Donald J. Trump delivered an optimistic State of the Union address on Tuesday, declaring the nation stronger than ever as it approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence. He declared an economic revival, a sealed border with zero illegal entries in nine months, plunging inflation and historic low murder rates, and the end of multiple global conflicts, framing these as hallmarks of a “golden age” under his America First agenda. Trump honored military heroes, rescue workers and the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, while calling out Democrats for refusing to stand during a pledge to prioritize American citizens over illegal immigrants.
President Trump opened his speech stating he inherited a nation in crisis, with high inflation, open borders and international chaos.
“Today, our border is secure. Our spirit is restored. Inflation is plummeting. Incomes are rising fast,” Trump said amid chants of “USA!” from the audience.
Economic achievements took center stage with Trump highlighting inflation dropping to 1.7% in the last three months of 2025, gasoline prices below $2.30 a gallon in most states, and mortgage rates at four-year lows. He credited these to his policies, including tariffs that brought in hundreds of billions and spurred $18 trillion in global investments—compared to less than $1 trillion under the Biden administration, he said.
Trump added that the stock market set 53 record highs since his election, boosting retirement accounts.
President Trump linked these gains to his America First agenda, which included ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs, cutting regulations and boosting energy production. American oil output rose by over 600,000 barrels a day, and natural gas hit all-time highs, fulfilling his “drill, baby, drill” promise. He noted that there are more Americans working than ever, with all new jobs created in the private sector and 2.4 million people lifted off food stamps.
On national security and immigration, Trump emphasized a fortified border with no “illegal admissions” in nine months and a 56% drop in fentanyl inflows. The murder rate saw its largest decline in history, he said, reaching levels not seen since 1900. He criticized Democrats for cutting Department of Homeland Security funding amid a government shutdown and demanded funding be approved for the agency.
In a pointed moment, Trump asked lawmakers to stand if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
No Democrat lawmakers rose, prompting Trump to say, “Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up.”
He urged ending sanctuary cities, imposing penalties on officials blocking deportations and passing the Save America Act to require voter ID and proof of citizenship, and limiting mail-in ballots. Polling for Voter ID, he said was at 89%, and argued that it will curb “cheating.”
Trump announced Vice President JD Vance as the leader of a “war on fraud,” targeting schemes like the alleged $19 billion “pillaged in Minnesota” by Somali communities, with similar issues in other states, he added. Aiming for a balanced budget, Vance would serve as a Fraud Czar to recover funds.
President Trump attacked Obamacare for enriching insurers and proposed redirecting subsidies directly to people for better, cheaper coverage. He touted most-favored-nation pricing for drugs, slashing costs via TrumpRx.gov, and introduced a Ratepayer Protection Pledge to prevent AI data centers from raising utility bills by requiring tech firms to build their own power plants.
Social Security and Medicare received pledges of protection, with Trump announcing matching contributions up to $1,000 annually for workers without employer plans. He called for banning Wall Street firms from bulk-buying single-family homes and urged Congress to make his Executive Order on the issue permanent.
Trump shared the story of Sage Blair, whose school in Virginia attempted a gender transition without parental consent. He demanded a ban on states allowing such actions against parents’ will, decrying the situation as “hard to believe.” No Democrats stood for this, drawing Trump’s rebuke: “These people are crazy.”
During Tuesday’s address, President Trump honored several American heroes: World War II veteran Buddy Taggart, nearing his 100th birthday; Coast Guard rescuer Scott Ruskin, who saved 165 people during Texas floods and received the Legion of Merit; and victims of crimes by illegal immigrants, like Delilah Coleman and Lizbeth Medina. He pushed for the Delilah Law to bar states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens.
The U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team earned praise for their gold medal, with goalie Connor Hellebuyck awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and the family of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom received Purple Hearts for defending Washington; Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover got the Medal of Honor for a daring helicopter mission in Maduro’s capture; and Navy Capt. Royce Williams, 100, was also awarded the Medal of Honor for a 1952 dogfight.
Faith and anti-violence efforts included a nod to Charlie Kirk, murdered for his conservative beliefs, with a call to reject political violence.
Foreign policy successes included ending eight wars, such as those in Gaza, Cambodia and between Pakistan and India. He detailed Operation Midnight Hammer, which destroyed Iran’s nuclear program, vowing to prevent Iran from ever possessing a nuclear weapon. NATO allies now pay 5% of GDP for defense, up from 2%, and military recruitment hit records, he said, with service members receiving a $1,776 “warrior dividend.”
Trump closed portraying America’s history as one of triumph and urged unity.
“The golden age of America is upon us,” Trump said. “Our future will be bigger, better, brighter, bolder, and more glorious than ever before.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
