Trump highlights ‘winning’ economy and foreign policy in marathon State of the Union
President Trump delivers State of The Union address
President Donald Trump delivered a marathon State of the Union address Tuesday, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments at home and abroad. The speech, which lasted longer than 100 minutes, appeared aimed at rallying support for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections.
President Donald Trump delivered a marathon State of the Union address Tuesday, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments at home and abroad.
The speech, which lasted longer than 100 minutes, appeared aimed at rallying support for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections.
What we know:
Trump asserted that the U.S. is "winning so much," citing a jobs and manufacturing boom, immigration crackdowns, and trade tariffs. He highlighted foreign policy achievements, including the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and airstrikes on Iranian nuclear targets.
The address included proposals to limit mail-in ballots, tighten voter ID rules, and create a retirement savings program matching contributions up to $1,000 for Americans without workplace accounts.
State of the Union 2026: Full speech
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union speech Tuesday night to members of Congress and the nation. He opened in speech, saying "our nation is back."
"Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it," Trump said, referencing the hockey team. On tariffs, he stated, "It’s saving our country." In response to Democratic opposition, he added, "These people are crazy. Democrats are destroying our country."
What we don't know:
Details about how Trump intends to implement his retirement program and enforce higher electricity rates for AI companies were vague. The ultimate political impact of his proposals and claims about tariffs "substantially replacing" income taxes remains uncertain.
The backstory:
Trump’s approval ratings have been under pressure due to high living costs, slowing economic growth, and lingering concerns over tariffs. The speech also comes amid escalating tensions with Iran, with two U.S. aircraft carriers deployed to the Middle East.
Big picture view:
The address served as both a policy platform and a political rally, seeking to energize Republican voters ahead of the midterms while emphasizing Trump’s "winning" narrative. He also used the speech to challenge Democrats on issues including health care, immigration, and stock market regulations.
Who was at the State of the Union?
Members of the U.S. Supreme Court and Trump's Cabinet attended. Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson were seated behind Trump.
There is always one member of the president's cabinet who does not attend. That person — who by position is in the presidential line of succession — is intentionally left out of such events to ensure that someone could assume the office of the president in case of a catastrophic or mass-casualty event. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was chosen as the designated survivor.
The president typically invites guests who attend the event from the balcony above the House floor and are seated with the first lady.
US men's hockey team honored at State of the Union
The U.S. men's hockey team was honored Tuesday night during President Trump’s State of the Union address for their historic win, defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime and capturing its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" team triumphed in 1980.
Trump's surprise guests included U.S. military heroes, a former political prisoner, and the Olympic gold-medal-winning men’s hockey team, awarding goalie Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also bestowed the Purple Heart on National Guard member Andrew Wolfe.
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Speaker Johnson invited the family of a slain Louisiana police officer to the State of the Union.
"It is my profound honor to host Shirley Brock-Dennis and Kambreigh Smith — the respective mother and fiancée of Vivian Police Officer Marc Brock — as my guests for the State of the Union address. In November, Officer Brock was tragically killed in the line of duty," Johnson told Fox News Digital.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will take the national stage next week as the Democratic Party’s voice responding to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Who gave the Democratic response?
The other side:
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic rebuttal, offering the party a high-profile opportunity to present a counter message.
She served three terms in Congress before being elected governor. Earlier this year, she became Virginia’s first female governor after winning the race by a double-digit margin in an office previously held by a Republican.
Gov. Spanberger argued that many families continue to struggle with high costs despite Trump’s declaration of a national "golden age."
Speaking from Colonial Williamsburg, Spanberger said Democrats are focused on affordability and pledged to carry that message into November’s midterm elections.
State of the Union: Democratic response | Full speech
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the democratic response Tuesday night, minutes after President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address in Washington D.C.
Spanberger’s roughly 13-minute address contrasted with Trump’s nearly two-hour speech, in which he touted lower costs and economic gains. Democrats point to Spanberger’s double-digit victory in Virginia last fall and a recent special election win in Texas as signs of shifting political momentum.
Some Democrats skipped Trump’s address altogether, planning alternative events to counter his message.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered from FOX Digital and from reporting by the Associated Press.