US President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress - his first since beginning his second term- outlining his administration’s key achievements and priorities for the year ahead.
The speech came at a time of global uncertainty over his tariff policies. Earlier levies were struck down by the Supreme Court of the United States, following which the administration announced a fresh round of 15% global tariffs. The address also took place amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, with concerns growing over the possibility of a strike on the Islamic Republic.
Border security and national strength
During his address, Trump said the American economy is “roaring like never before” as chants of “USA” echoed through the chamber, apparently aimed at drowning out protests.
He asserted that the US border is now “secure”, that America’s enemies are “scared”, and that the military and police are “stronger than ever”. Trump also claimed that the United States has regained respect on the global stage.
A turnaround for the ages
President Trump said he returned to the White House after inheriting a nation in crisis but argued that the country has since undergone sweeping change in his first year back in office.
“After just 1 year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, a turnaround for the ages,” he said.
However, recent opinion polls indicate a drop in his approval ratings, with many voters expressing dissatisfaction over his handling of cost of living pressures, immigration and foreign policy.
Further in his address, Trump said the US is going to do better and better and better.
"This is the golden age of America. When I last spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis with a stagnant economy, inflation at record levels, a wide-open border, horrendous recruitment for military and police, rampant crime at home, and wars and chaos all over the world," he added.
