Trump, Bruised and Unpopular, Turns to State of the Union for a Reset

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by Luke Broadwater

February 24, 2026

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Reeling from a Supreme Court ruling against his sweeping tariffs and grappling with historically low approval ratings, President Trump is turning to his State of the Union address as a last-ditch effort to regain control over the narrative ahead of critical midterm elections. With Republicans facing potential losses in the House, Trump hopes to rally support by showcasing his administration's achievements, despite widespread public skepticism. His speech comes at a pivotal moment, with his popularity waning even on key issues like immigration and the economy. The president’s challenges are compounded by a partial government shutdown, which has further eroded his standing with voters. Once a political strength, issues like immigration now deeply divide the country, contributing to Trump's declining approval ratings. His administration is also grappling with a Supreme Court decision that undermines one of its signature policies—a blow that could have broader implications for his second term. In his address, Trump is expected to emphasize economic successes, including job growth, falling gas prices, and a rise in the Dow Jones industrial average. He will likely highlight border security improvements, such as reduced illegal immigration and declining crime rates, as well as increased military spending, including bonuses for service members. These points aim to demonstrate progress despite ongoing political turmoil. The State of the Union speech is seen as a critical opportunity for Trump to reshape public perception and counter mounting criticism. His ability to effectively communicate his agenda will be closely watched, particularly given the high stakes of the midterm elections. With Democrats poised to gain influence in Congress, Trump’s political future may hinge on his capacity to rebound from these setbacks. This moment is not just about politics; it’s about survival for a presidency that has seen its share of turbulence. As Trump prepares to address the

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026