WASHINGTON — President Donald J. Trump delivered what was described as the longest State of the Union address in recent memory Tuesday night, using a sweeping, victory-lap speech to declare that “our nation is back” and that “the golden age of America” is underway.
The speech began around 9:11 p.m. Eastern and opened with Trump greeting Speaker Johnson and Vice President J.D. Vance, along with the First Lady and Second Lady, before launching into a broad argument that the country has undergone a historic turnaround in just one year.
“Five months from now,” Trump said, the United States will mark the 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026, a milestone he framed as a national launching point for what he repeatedly called a new era of American strength, prosperity, and pride.
Border, Crime, and “Zero” Admissions Claim
Trump leaned heavily into immigration and public safety, repeatedly asserting that “today our border is secure.” He claimed “zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States,” while adding that legal immigration should continue for people who “will love our country” and work hard.
He also claimed fentanyl coming across the border is down “by a record 56 percent in one year,” and argued the country is seeing historic crime improvements, citing what he called the “single largest decline” in the murder rate and the lowest number in more than a century.
Inflation, Gas Prices, and Stock Market Brag Sheet
On the economy, Trump blamed the previous administration for “the worst inflation” and claimed his administration has driven core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years, including a figure of 1.7 percent in the last three months of 2025.
He claimed gasoline prices, which he said peaked above $6 a gallon in some states under his predecessor, are now below $2.30 in most states, with some locations under $2 and one example he cited as $1.85 in Iowa.
Trump also pointed to lower mortgage costs, said interest rates will “solve the Biden-created housing problem,” and boasted that the stock market has hit dozens of all-time highs since the election, lifting pensions, 401(k)s, and retirement accounts.
A “Winning” Moment: USA Hockey Walks In, Gold Medals on Display
Midway through the address, Trump paused to highlight the men’s Olympic gold medal hockey team, inviting them into the chamber as lawmakers and attendees cheered and the players displayed their medals.
Trump used the team’s overtime win,and the visual of “young men cheering, showing off their gold medals”, to reinforce his broader argument that the United States has returned to strength and success under his leadership.
He singled out goaltender Connor Hellebuyck for special praise, emphasizing his performance and saying he had never seen a goaltender play better. Trump then announced he would soon award Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling it the country’s highest civilian honor and telling the crowd the decision had the backing of the team.
Tariffs, Supreme Court Ruling, and “No Congressional Action”
A centerpiece of Trump’s economic argument was tariffs, which he credited for bringing in “hundreds of billions of dollars” and forcing foreign countries to make better deals with the U.S. He referenced an “unfortunate ruling” from the U.S. Supreme Court related to the tariff framework, but insisted his administration has other legal authorities to keep the approach in place,and said congressional action would not be necessary.
Tax Policy, “Trump Accounts,” and Public Recognition Moments
Trump highlighted what he called major tax changes, including “no tax on tips,” “no tax on overtime,” and “no tax on social security,” along with making interest on auto loans tax deductible if the vehicle is made in America.
He promoted “Trump accounts,” described as tax-free investment accounts for American children, and cited private donations he said would fund the accounts for millions of children.
Trump also touted upcoming marquee events, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, framing both as part of a broader national resurgence.
Health Care, Prescription Drugs, and New Government Websites
Trump attacked the Affordable Care Act as a windfall for insurance companies and said he wants to stop payments to insurers and instead direct money to individuals to purchase coverage. He also emphasized “maximum price transparency.”
He claimed his “most favored nation” agreements would drive prescription drug prices to the lowest level worldwide, promoted a website called TrumpRx.gov, and urged Congress to codify the program into law.
Housing, Retirement, and a Shot at Congress
Trump said he signed an executive order banning large Wall Street investment firms from buying up large numbers of single-family homes, calling on Congress to make the ban permanent. He also pledged to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
He announced a plan to expand retirement plan access and match contributions up to $1,000 per year for workers without employer matching, and called for passage of a “Stop Insider Trading Act,” drawing a reaction in the chamber.
“War on Fraud,” Minnesota Reference, and Maine Mention
Trump escalated his rhetoric on government waste and fraud, citing Minnesota and claiming members of the Somali community had “pillaged” taxpayer funds. He said California, Massachusetts, Maine, and other states are “even worse,” and announced a formal “war on fraud” to be led by Vice President Vance.
Trump argued that rooting out fraud would quickly balance the federal budget, portraying the issue as central to restoring public trust and financial stability.
Immigration Enforcement Push and the “Save America Act”
Later, Trump returned to immigration enforcement and demanded restoration of Department of Homeland Security funding, blaming Democrats for cutting off resources and triggering a shutdown he said cost the economy 2 points of GDP.
He urged Congress to pass what he called the “Delilah Law,” barring states from granting commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens. He also called for an end to sanctuary jurisdictions and penalties for officials who block removal of criminal illegal aliens.
Trump pressed lawmakers to approve the “Save America Act,” describing voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements and limiting mail-in voting to specific circumstances. He claimed the proposal is broadly popular and argued identification should be required for voting.
Culture Issues, First Lady Praise, and Faith Message
Trump highlighted a story involving a teenage girl and parental rights, calling for bans on state actions that remove children from parents and transition minors against parents’ will. He criticized Democrats who did not stand in support of those statements.
He praised First Lady Melania Trump’s initiatives, citing AI-related efforts and foster care initiatives, and said the country has experienced a renewal in religion and faith during his time in office.
Crime, Military Honors, and Foreign Policy Claims
The speech also included several recognitions tied to crime and military service, including references to deployments in U.S. cities, a dramatic drop in Washington, D.C. murders, and honors for service members and families.
On foreign policy, Trump claimed he ended multiple international conflicts, described a U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear program dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” and said he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
He also described a January raid that he said ended Nicolás Maduro’s rule in Venezuela and claimed the U.S. is working with a new Venezuelan president, Delcy Rodríguez. He awarded battlefield-style praise and announced major military honors during the address.
Closing: 250 Years as a Launchpad
Trump closed by framing the nation’s next chapter as a continuation of the American revolution, tying the 250th anniversary to his broader message that the country has entered a new era.
“The golden age of America is upon us,” he said, promising a future that would be “bigger, better, brighter, bolder, and more glorious than ever before.”
