Trump to defend first year record in lengthy State of the Union speech
The Guardian World
by Chris Stein in WashingtonFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump is set to deliver a lengthy State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, marking a pivotal moment as he seeks to defend his first year in office. Despite declining public support, Trump will likely highlight his achievements while addressing key issues like the economy and immigration. This speech comes amid a sharp decline in his approval ratings, fueled by growing discontent over his handling of these critical areas.
The address, delivered before a joint session of Congress, is particularly significant as it precedes the November midterm elections. These elections will determine whether Trump’s Republican allies can retain their slim majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives. With polls showing a erosion of trust in Trump’s leadership, his speech will aim to rally support and counter negative perceptions about his administration’s performance.
Trump’s re-election campaign in 2024 hinges heavily on his ability to showcase progress on economic growth and immigration policy. However, recent data indicates that Americans are increasingly skeptical of his handling of these issues. This backdrop makes the State of the Union speech a crucial opportunity for Trump to reset the narrative and reaffirm his political agenda.
For readers interested in global affairs and U.S. politics, this speech offers valuable insight into the direction of the Trump administration and its potential impact on domestic and international policies. As midterm elections loom, the stakes are high for both Trump’s party and the opposition as they navigate a divided political landscape. The outcome of these elections could shape the future of Trump’s presidency and the broader trajectory of U.S. politics.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026