Trump touts ‘golden age of America’ in longest ever State of Union speech
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump delivered his longest-ever State of the Union address, declaring that he had ushered in "the golden age of America" while addressing key domestic issues such as the economy, immigration, and affordability crises. Despite facing low approval ratings and growing voter frustration ahead of November's midterm elections, Trump emphasized economic successes, including slowed inflation, record stock market highs, sweeping tax cuts, and reduced drug prices. He also showcased achievements in sports, awarding medals to members of the US men's ice hockey team, who had recently won Olympic gold.
The speech came amid a challenging political climate, with polls showing declining support for Trump and concerns over Iran and his tariff policies, which were largely struck down by the Supreme Court. While Trump claimed victory on economic fronts, critics noted that everyday costs like groceries and housing remained high, with recent data indicating a slowing economy and accelerating inflation. This narrative contrasted sharply with Democratic responses, led by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who accused Trump of failing to address the affordability crisis and criticized his approach to immigration.
Trump's speech was marked by both discipline and combative exchanges with Democrats, particularly during discussions on immigration. Though he avoided his usual rambling style, Trump's focus on economic achievements aimed to rally Republican support while acknowledging the stakes ahead of the midterm elections, where Democrats hope to reclaim control of Congress. The address reflected Trump's efforts to position himself as a successful leader despite mounting challenges and divisions in the country.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026