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President Donald Trump is set to deliver his first official State of the Union address of his second term tonight, framing a vision of a “strong, prosperous, and respected” America as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down the legal authority for his signature tariffs, the White House says the president will use the high-profile platform to double down on his “Golden Age” economic narrative.
Trump is expected to highlight record-breaking job growth and manufacturing, even as he faces a 39% approval rating and widespread voter anxiety over the cost of living.
The speech comes at a moment of intense political and legal tension.
The US president will be speaking directly in front of the Supreme Court justices he recently branded “fools and lapdogs” following their 6-3 decision against his trade policies.
Rather than retreating, the President has already bypassed the court’s blockade by invoking the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a new 15% global tariff.
Tonight, he is expected to issue a forceful defence of these measures, arguing they are essential to protect American industry, regardless of the judicial rebuke.
On the global stage, the address will serve as a bellwether for potential military action.
With a massive U.S. naval buildup currently pressing Tehran, the president is likely to signal his “peace through strength” strategy, specifically regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
He is also expected to celebrate the recent capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as a major victory for his administration’s foreign policy while potentially outlining new steps to end the conflict in Ukraine and manage growing tensions with China.
Domestic issues, particularly immigration and the 2026 midterms, will also take centre stage.
Trump will likely champion his aggressive deportation campaigns, despite backlash following the recent deaths of two U.S. citizens during operations in Minneapolis.
With the Republican majority in the House currently razor-thin, the President’s address is as much a campaign pitch as it is a policy update.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger is scheduled to deliver the Democratic response, focusing on “chaos in communities” and the rising costs that remain a primary concern for many American families.
