President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in US history, using the marathon speech to champion what he called a historic economic revival while issuing a stark warning to Iran over its nuclear programme.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump said the US economy is “roaring like never before” and claimed his administration had engineered a dramatic turnaround during his return to the White House. He pointed to easing mortgage rates and recent month-to-month declines in some grocery items, including beef and eggs, as evidence that his affordability agenda is working.
However, official inflation data shows grocery prices remain higher overall compared with a year ago, with beef and veal up 15% annually despite a slight monthly dip. Coffee and frozen seafood have also risen significantly over the past 12 months, even as some items such as butter and tomatoes have fallen.
On foreign policy, Trump framed his approach as “peace through strength” and highlighted military operations abroad, including the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Turning to Iran, he said he prefers a diplomatic solution but vowed never to allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon, warning that further action remains on the table if talks collapse.
The president also defended his global tariff strategy despite a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down several levies. He pledged to maintain tariffs through alternative legal avenues, even as some trade partners signal uncertainty over pending agreements.
Democrats sharply criticised the address. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, delivering her party’s rebuttal, accused Trump of dishonesty and failing to offer meaningful solutions on costs, immigration and national security. She argued that Americans face a clear choice in November’s midterm elections between division and unity.
The speech, lasting one hour and 48 minutes, broke previous records and concluded with an extended reflection on America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, as Trump cast his presidency as the start of a new “Golden Age.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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