WASHINGTON — In what became the longest State of the Union address in history, President Trump celebrated what he called a “turnaround” in the economy, citing the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team as a symbol of how the nation is “winning” like never before.
Playing to a massive TV audience, Trump painted a picture of prosperity in the country while claiming to bring global stability. He highlighted an ongoing campaign promise, referencing voters’ concerns that the country was “winning too much” under his leadership.
Using this platform to criticize the Supreme Court for its decision to repeal the “reciprocal” tariffs, which he believes contributed to revitalizing the economy, Trump accused Democrats of being responsible for the ongoing affordability crisis.
He also introduced new economic proposals aimed at preventing investors from cornering the housing market, compelling pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices, enhancing pricing transparency in healthcare, and limiting stock trading by congressional members.
“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’ve won so much that I don’t really know what to do,” Trump remarked during the one-hour, 48-minute joint address to Congress, highlighting the Olympic hockey team’s outstanding gold medal performance.
Democratic lawmakers applauded the Olympic athletes but remained seated for significant portions of Trump’s speech. This included moments when he criticized them for not supporting his major tax and spending initiative, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“Democrats, you all voted against these really important and very necessary massive tax cuts. Instead, you wanted massive tax increases to hit the people,” he remarked with a hint of disbelief.
Throughout his speech, Trump celebrated various positive economic indicators, including a significant drop in inflation and stock market records being shattered.
He brought guests to the podium to showcase the positive effects of a past bill that provided substantial tax refunds for seniors, car buyers, and those earning overtime and tips, alongside the impact of a unique “Trump Account” concept for newborns.
‘Affordability’ Attacks Are ‘Dirty, Rotten Lies’
The president dismissed Democratic criticisms regarding affordability, attributing “record inflation,” which reached a 40-year peak nearly four years ago, to his predecessor, Joe Biden.
“The same people in this chamber who voted for these disasters are suddenly using the word ‘affordable’… knowing full well that it has caused and created the price increases that all of us have to endure,” Trump asserted, as most Democrats remained quiet.
He claimed, “You created the problem,” to the assembled Democrats.
Trump further stated, “They knew what they were saying was a dirty, rotten lie. Their policies created high prices, and our policies are rapidly ending them.” He emphasized that under Democratic leadership, “everything from trade to health care” had been manipulated to extract wealth from hardworking citizens.
He also mentioned the Green New Deal, expressing outrage about border policies that allowed criminals into the country.
Tariffs Could Replace Income Taxes
Trump criticized the Supreme Court’s recent decision that overturned his “reciprocal” and fentanyl tariffs but expressed optimism about maintaining future trade deals, suggesting these tariffs could potentially lower federal income taxes.
Rather than attacking legal scholars, President Trump greeted the justices present, including those who’d ruled against him, with handshakes.
“One of the main reasons for our nation’s incredible economic turnaround was the largest turnaround in history,” he stated, noting milestones in the stock market.
President Trump asserted he had successfully wielded tariffs to reap billions for the nation, highlighting that countries that previously exploited the U.S. are now paying up.
Trump Calls for Legislative Action
The president recounted various policies, noting that polls reflect economic anxiety that may negatively impact his approval ratings heading into the election. He urged Congress to continue pushing key economic initiatives.
He insisted, “I want to stop all payments to the big insurance companies and instead put that money directly into the hands of the people so they can buy their own health care.” He emphasized the need for maximum price transparency.
Trump also claimed to have negotiated with drug companies to lower exorbitant prices through the threat of tariffs, asking Congress to formalize this arrangement.
Addressing struggles many Americans face in the housing market due to competition from large investors, he reiterated his call for restrictions on such practices.
Moreover, he remarked on the need for legislation to prevent Congress from profiting from insider trading.
Reactions included bipartisan applause, and Trump noted, “They stood up for it. It’s unbelievable,” jabbed at his opponents while skipping over certain controversial topics.
In a passionate conclusion, he declared, “Americans, our country is back bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever.” He heralded the arrival of “America’s Golden Age,” proclaiming that the spirit of freedom ignites within every American patriot.
