President touts economic surge, border security, Middle East breakthroughs and warns Iran of decisive consequences.
President Donald Trump delivered a nearly two-hour State of the Union address Tuesday evening before a joint session of Congress, presenting what he described as a dramatic national revival across economic, security, and foreign policy fronts.
Opening with a sweeping declaration, Trump proclaimed that the United States is “back—bigger, better, stronger, and richer than ever before,” calling the current moment the “Golden Age of America” ahead of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.
He sharply criticized former President Joe Biden, blaming the previous administration for what he called historic inflation. Trump asserted that his administration had reduced core inflation to 1.7% in late 2025, lowered mortgage rates to four-year lows, and reduced the annual cost of a typical new mortgage by nearly $5,000. He also claimed to have secured more than $18 trillion in new investment commitments over the past year, contrasting that figure with less than $1 trillion during the prior administration’s final four years.
On immigration, Trump declared the border secure and urged Congress to pass legislation preventing states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. He called for stricter voter identification requirements, restrictions on mail-in voting, and federal measures barring non-citizens from participating in U.S. elections.
In foreign policy, Trump pointed to what he described as major diplomatic and military achievements. He said his administration ended multiple conflicts, including hostilities between Israel and Iran and the war in Gaza. He credited Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner for their roles in negotiating a ceasefire agreement that led to the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
Turning to Iran, Trump reiterated that U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June had “obliterated” critical components of Tehran’s nuclear program. However, he warned that Iran is attempting to rebuild capabilities and continues missile development that could threaten Europe and eventually the United States. While expressing a preference for diplomacy, Trump emphasized that he would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, calling it a red line for American security.
He stated that negotiations remain ongoing but insisted that any agreement must include an unequivocal commitment from Iran to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions.
Trump concluded by reaffirming America’s military strength, declaring that no nation should doubt U.S. resolve, while expressing hope that American power would deter conflict rather than require its use.
