Trump’s Suddenly High-Stakes State of the Union
The Atlantic
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump faces significant challenges as he prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, marking a stark contrast from his position a year ago when he was in a more triumphant state. His prized policies, such as tariffs and immigration enforcement, have encountered setbacks—tariffs were curtailed by the Supreme Court, and mass deportations became unpopular after fatal incidents involving masked agents. Additionally, Trump’s handling of Iran tensions has been unclear, and his personal scandals, including ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of using the Oval Office for personal gain, have further damaged his reputation. With midterm elections approaching, Trump’s declining poll numbers reflect widespread voter unhappiness, as seen in recent election losses in traditionally red districts.
The article highlights how Trump’s once-dominant political landscape has eroded, leaving Republicans increasingly worried about defending his decisions. Many GOP members privately express concerns about Trump’s overreach and focus on vanity projects, urging him to refocus on core issues that won him re-election. However, Trump’s aides remain optimistic, believing the pageantry of the State of the Union can reignite his presidency’s momentum.
While past policies like tariffs were initially central to Trump’s agenda, they have since become political liabilities. His inconsistent application of tariffs created market uncertainty and frustrated foreign leaders, despite occasional use as geopolitical weapons. The Supreme Court’s rejection of most tariff measures further undermines Trump’s authority on this front.
The State of the Union presents Trump with a critical opportunity to regain public trust and reassert his agenda. However, given the current political climate, it is unclear whether one speech
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/24/2026