An embattled Trump is set to address a divided Congress - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Ana CeballosFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump is set to deliver his annual State of the Union address during a period of significant political turmoil, as he faces multiple crises that have weakened his standing in Washington. The speech comes amid a partial government shutdown triggered by his administration's aggressive deportation policies, rising tensions over U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, and growing domestic dissent that has fractured his political alliances. Trump appears undeterred but increasingly strained, with his combative posture toward Congress and the judiciary becoming more evident.
The economic landscape adds another layer of complexity. Despite Trump's claims of achieving historic economic success, polls show that many Americans are still concerned about economic pressures, especially in an election year. Republicans have urged Trump to focus on lowering costs, a message they believe could help maintain their control over Congress. However, the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down his use of tariffs has cast doubt on how much of his economic agenda will remain intact.
Trump's willingness to wield executive authority has led to controversial actions, including capturing former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and considering military interventions in Iran and Mexico. Domestically, he continues to push unfounded claims about the 2020 election being stolen, despite evidence showing no widespread fraud. This stance has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.
Congress is attempting to reassert its authority over the executive branch, with bipartisan
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026