State of the Union 2026: Top moments from Trump's speech
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union address in a highly charged political climate, with tensions rising over Iran and his global tariffs being invalidated by the Supreme Court. The speech, marked by partisan divisions and combative rhetoric, highlighted key moments that underscored ongoing struggles between Trump and the judiciary, as well as growing concerns over economic policies.
One of the most notable aspects of the address was the absence of several Supreme Court justices, who were notably critical of Trump's tariffs. Only four justices attended: Chief Justice John Roberts, Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, and Brett Kavanaugh. Trump made a pointed reference to their ruling on his tariffs, calling it "disappointing" and announcing plans to bypass Congress by implementing new 15% tariffs under an obscure law, Section 122. This move raised eyebrows among legal experts who questioned whether Trump would adhere to the law.
The speech also saw sharp divisions within Congress, with many Democrats boycotting or protesting. Congressman Al Greene was ejected for the second consecutive year after holding up a controversial sign, while other Democrats disrupted the proceedings by shouting during Trump's remarks. The empty seats on the Democratic side of the aisle highlighted the deepening partisan divide in Washington.
Trump's State of the Union address came at a critical juncture, with Iran tensions escalating and domestic concerns over affordability threatening to shift control of Congress in the midterm elections. His speech emphasized his achievements while doubling down on contentious policies, signaling continued brinkmanship in his approach to governance.
This moment matters globally, as it reflects ongoing US-Iran relations
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026