State Of The Union 2026: Trump presses economic pitch amid protests and fact checks
President Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union address to Congress in a speech billed as the state of the union 2026, pressing an economic argument as polls show Americans souring on his agenda and with midterm elections in November looming.
State Of The Union 2026: Trump pivots to the economy
Trump opened by saying he had overseen a "turnaround for the ages" and pledging to "confront threats to America" as he began his remarks at the Capitol, then focused on the economy with a lineup of claims about inflation, the stock market and investment. The speech was presented as a bid to convince voters to stick with him in November's midterm elections, while other headlines framed the address as a move to refocus attention on the economy after a turbulent start to the year and as "a defensive posture" with the president on shakier ground than last year.
Attendance and aisle reaction
All of Trump's children were in attendance, as was First Lady Melania Trump and four Supreme Court justices, and Trump greeted lawmakers as he arrived at the Capitol for the State of the Union. Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green, who was protesting against the president, was escorted out shortly before Trump began speaking.
Economic claims and stock-market focus
Trump told Congress he had driven down core inflation "to the lowest level in more than five years" in 12 months and repeated his claim that his predecessor, Joe Biden, oversaw the "worst inflation in the history of our country, " a statement the context notes has been higher in the past. He also said "the stock market has set 53 all time record highs since the election" and claimed his administration managed to attract more than $18tn in investment within its first year. The context adds that the stock market is one of Trump’s favourite barometers and that he touted stock market gains even as polls show many Americans are unhappy with the direction of the economy under Trump.
Immigration and fentanyl on the border
Midway through the address Trump turned to immigration, praising the progress he said his administration has made on stemming illegal immigration and fentanyl coming over the border, tying that message to one of his most important campaign issues.
Fact-checking and coverage plans
Verify will be fact-checking claims made by Trump and will bring findings throughout tonight, and viewers were offered a live feed and special coverage on the News channel. The piece of coverage was edited by Caitlin Wilson and Oliver O'Connell.
It is unclear in the provided context what is scheduled next.
