Immigration Front and Center
President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday night at the U.S. Capitol, speaking for roughly one hour and 47 minutes — the longest such address on record.
With his political standing weakened and major policy challenges mounting, Trump leaned heavily on immigration, a familiar campaign theme. Referencing families of victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, he argued that electing Democrats would mean reopening the nation’s borders.
He challenged Democratic lawmakers to stand in support of the statement that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” Democrats largely remained seated, while Republicans stood and applauded. Several Democratic members, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, voiced objections during the speech despite party leadership urging restraint.
Tariffs and Economic Claims
The address followed a Supreme Court ruling striking down Trump’s global tariffs. Rather than directly criticize the Court, Trump maintained that he retains leverage under other tariff authorities and said congressional action to codify the tariffs would not be necessary.
He predicted that tariffs paid by foreign countries could substantially replace income taxes, a claim economists widely view as unrealistic given the scale of federal revenue needs.
Trump also offered sweeping economic assertions, including that he inherited record inflation and a wide-open border. While inflation reached a 40-year high in 2022, it had declined significantly before he returned to office. Border crossings had also fallen sharply prior to his second term. He further cited investment commitments totaling more than $18 trillion and claimed more Americans are working than ever before, statements that omit broader economic context such as population growth and recent labor market trends.
Protests and Pageantry
The evening featured multiple interruptions. Rep. Al Green was escorted from the chamber after displaying a sign referencing a racist video Trump had previously shared online. Other lawmakers exited mid-speech or shouted objections.
Trump interspersed policy remarks with ceremonial moments, honoring members of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team and announcing awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Legion of Merit and two Medals of Honor. He also highlighted a reunion involving a former Venezuelan political prisoner.
Iran, Elections and Omitted Issues
Addressing foreign policy, Trump raised the possibility of further military action against Iran, arguing that Tehran continues pursuing nuclear ambitions despite previous U.S. strikes. While stating a preference for a negotiated agreement, he vowed never to allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
On domestic politics, Trump warned that Democrats “want to cheat” in upcoming elections, reiterating unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud. He is pressing Congress to pass stricter voter identification measures and has signaled broader federal involvement in election oversight.
Notably absent from the speech were detailed proposals on affordability and cost-of-living concerns, issues that remain politically sensitive. Trump also avoided discussion of controversies surrounding immigration enforcement incidents and the handling of previously released Epstein-related documents.
