Trump's State of The Union Address Live Updates: ‘How did that go for them?’ Trump taunts Russian, Chinese defences in Venezuela

Trump uses longest-ever State of the Union to try to convince voters that US is 'winning so much'

President Donald Trump declared during a marathon State of the Union on Tuesday that “we’re winning so much” — insisting he'd sparked an economic boom at home and imposed a new world order abroad in hopes it can counter his sliding approval ratings.

Trump's main objective was convincing increasingly wary Americans that the economy is stronger than many believe, and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections. In all, Trump spoke for a record 108 minutes, breaking — by eight minutes — the previous time mark from his address before a joint session of Congress last year.

The president largely avoided his usual bombast, only occasionally veering off-script — mostly to slam Democrats. As he did during such addresses in his first term, Trump relied on a series of surprise special guests to dramatically punctuate his message. They included U.S. military heroes and a former political prisoner released after US forces toppled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Trump drew some of the loudest applause of the night when he invited the Olympic gold medal-winning US men’s hockey team into the House chamber.

“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me, 'Please, please, please, Mister President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore,'" Trump said before introducing the team.

Trump puts VP Vance in charge of 'war on fraud'

Donald Trump said Tuesday he was appointing his vice president to lead a "war on fraud" as he railed against alleged abuses of government benefits in Democratic-controlled states -- particularly Minnesota.

The US president charged in his State of the Union address that similar problems are taking place elsewhere, in states like California, Massachusetts and Maine.

"I am officially announcing the war on fraud, to be led by our great Vice President JD Vance," Trump said.

He claimed that if his administration could "find enough of that fraud, we will have a balanced budget overnight."

As federal investigators have been looking into government benefits fraud in Minnesota, the Trump administration has lashed out at Somali immigrants in particular, some of whom have implicated in the schemes.

The Trump administration has alleged public benefits fraud is widespread in Minnesota's Somali community as a whole.

The state hosts the largest Somali immigrant community in the country with around 80,000 people.

‘How did that go for them?’ Trump taunts Russian, Chinese defences in Venezuela

Trump poked fun at the Chinese military technology used by the Venezuelan military during the American operation to capture former president Nicolás Maduro. “This was a major military installation, protected by thousands of soldiers and guarded by Russian and Chinese military technologies. How did that go for them?” he said, referring to the January operation to oust Maduro.

“American armed forces overwhelmed all defences of the enemy to end the reign of dictator Nicolas Maduro and bring him to justice,” he said. “This was an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the US and a bright new beginning for the people of Venezuela.”

Trump also emphasized collaboration from the government of Venezuela in the aftermath of the operation. As a surprise guest at the address, he invited Enrique Marquez, a political prisoner recently released by the Delcy Rodríguez government.

Donald Trump slams former President Joe Biden

US President Donald Trump said, "Under Biden, open borders and high inflation hurt the country, now those who backed those policies talk about affordability, but they caused the problem."

'35m people would have died if not for me', Trump brings up India-Pak 'nuclear war' in his address

Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump says, "... In my first 10 months, I ended eight wars... Pakistan and India would have had a nuclear war. 35 million people said the Prime Minister of Pakistan would have died if it were not for my involvement..."

'Bad policy, but nice guy': Donald Trump praises NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani

Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump said, "Even the new communist mayor of New York City. I think he's a nice guy. Bad policy, but nice guy. He just said they want people to shovel snow. But if you apply for that job, you need to show two original forms of ID and a Social Security card. Yet they don't want identification for the greatest privilege of them all, voting in America..."

'I'm asking you to approve the Save America Act': Donald Trump

Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump said, "I'm asking you to approve the Save America Act. Stop illegal aliens and others who are unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American elections. Cheating is rampant in our elections. All voters must show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote and no more crooked mail-in ballots except for illness, disability, military, or travel..."

Trump demands Congress pass voter ID law, repeats unfounded cheating claims

US President Donald Trump called in his State of the Union speech Tuesday for Congress to pass tough new voter ID laws ahead of November midterm elections, repeating his unfounded allegations of "rampant" electoral cheating.

"The cheating is rampant in our elections. It's rampant. It's very simple. All voters must show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote," said Trump, who has long claimed -- falsely -- that his 2020 election loss was illegitimate.

'Should be my third term': Donald Trump

“So in my first year of the second term — should be my third term. But strange things happen,” he said.

Donald Trump calls Supreme Court's ruling to trash tariffs 'very unfortunate'

Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump said, "Just four days ago, an unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court. It just came down. Very unfortunate ruling, but the good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made..."

‘In the past nine months, ZERO illegal aliens have been admitted’: Trump claims ‘most secure border in history’

"After 4 years in which millions and millions of illegal aliens poured across our borders totally unchecked, we now have the strongest and the most secure border in American history," said US President Donald Trump during State of the Union Address.

Dozens of Democrats skip Trump address, attend 'People’s State of the Union'

Around 30 elected Democrats boycotted President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday, instead attending a parallel event dubbed the “People’s State of the Union.”

“The president makes a mockery of this institution and he does not deserve an audience,” Senator Chris Murphy told a crowd gathered outside the US Capitol ahead of Trump’s speech.

Trump, a Republican serving his second term in office, delivered his annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, defending his administration’s record and outlining his priorities for the year ahead.

Trump says he will make LA safe as he made Washington

Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington in August 2025 and has since credited the move with driving crime down to historic lows.

Crime did decline following the deployment of federal law enforcement officers and National Guard troops across the city. However, Mayor Muriel Bowser said the downward trend had already begun before the federal surge. Trump and other Republicans countered that local officials had manipulated crime statistics and failed to give proper credit to the federal intervention.

A House committee and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro released reports backing claims that the city’s crime data had been misrepresented. Bowser disputed those conclusions and called for an inspector general review, which is currently underway.

Overall, violent crime dropped 29% in 2025 compared with 2024. It is down another 29% so far this year compared with the same period in 2025. Federal authorities, along with more than 2,200 National Guard members, remain deployed on the streets.

'Drill, baby, drill': Donald Trump

'Biden administration and its allies in Congress gave us worst inflation in history of our country,' says Trump

Addressing the 2026 State of the Union, United States President Donald Trump said, "The Biden administration and its allies in Congress gave us the worst inflation in the history of our country. But in 12 months, my administration has driven core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years. And in the last three months of 2025, it was down to 1.7 per cent. Gasoline, which reached a peak of over $6 a gallon in some states under my predecessor. It was, quite honestly, a disaster. is now below $2.30 a gallon in most states, and in some places, $1.99 a gallon. And when I visited the great state of Lowa just a few weeks ago, I even saw $1.85 a gallon for gasoline..."

'New friend and partner, Venezuela': Donald Trump says US has received over 80 million barrels of oil

The president said the US has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from its “new friend and partner, Venezuela.”

That exceeds what his administration had initially projected in the days after the US military carried out a stunning raid in Venezuela’s capital last month and captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Venezuela’s oil industry produces roughly 1 million barrels a day. The country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

Trump vowed to turn around Venezuela’s crippling oil industry after Maduro was captured and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Donald Trump invites the USA women’s hockey team to the White House

The USA women’s hockey team — who, like their male counterparts were champions at the recent Olympics in Milano-Cortina — will get their due from Washington soon.

The women’s team had declined an invitation from Trump to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union, due to the timing of the address.

As the gold medal-winning men’s team made their appearance during the speech, Trump announced that the women’s team “will soon be coming to the White House.”

Trump's State of the Union Address Live: US has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, Trump says

Trump said the United States has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, marking a sharp increase from the 50 million barrels figure he cited last week at an event in Rome, Georgia.

“We have received more than 80 million barrels of oil from our new friend and partner Venezuela,” he said.

Trump has stated that the US intends to control Venezuela’s oil sales and revenues indefinitely following the seizure of Nicolás Maduro by US forces in a raid on Caracas on January 3.

He added that he wants American oil companies to eventually invest $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela’s energy sector to its historic production peaks, with profits to be shared among Venezuelans, the United States and participating firms.

'I had inherited a nation in crisis': Donald Trump in his address

"When I last spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis.

Today, our border is SECURE, our spirit is RESTORED, inflation is PLUMMETING, incomes are RISING FAST, the economy is ROARING, our enemies are SCARED, our military and police are STACKED, and America is RESPECTED again — perhaps like never before."

'America is respected again, like never before': Donald Trump

"Today, our border is secure. Our spirit is restored. Inflation is plummeting. Incomes are rising fast. The roaring economy is roaring like never before, and our enemies are scared. Our military and police are stacked," Trump said. "And America is respected again, perhaps like never before."

'Our nation is back,' Trump declares

Trump opened his speech by declaring: "Our nation is back."

The president claimed that his administration has started a "golden age of America."

"Today, our border is secure. Our spirit is restored. Inflation is plummeting. Incomes are rising fast. The roaring economy is roaring like never before, and our enemies are scared. Our military and police are stacked," Trump said. "And America is respected again, perhaps like never before."

Trump's State of The Union Live: Al Green is escorted from the chamber as Republicans chant ‘USA’

Green was escorted out of the chamber for the second year in a row.

He had been holding a sign reading, “Black people aren’t apes,” referring to a video reposted by Trump on Truth Social that depicted the Obamas as apes.

Last year, Green was removed after shaking his cane at Trump during the proceedings.

US President Donald Trump begins delivering State of the Union address amit SCOTUS tariff ruling and Iran tensions

“USA!” chants erupted in the chamber after House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the president.

The president immediately acknowledged first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance, who both received standing ovations from Republicans.

'This is the golden age of America': Donald Trump addresses Congress joint session

Trump's State of the Union will seek to calm voters' economic concerns ahead of midterm elections

President Donald Trump plans to declare in his State of the Union address that his policies have the job market and domestic manufacturing booming — hoping to convince increasingly wary Americans that the economy is stronger than many believe and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections.

Excerpts released by the White House before he began Tuesday's address said Trump will vow that, “Moving forward, factories, jobs, investment, and trillions of dollars will continue pouring into the United States of America."

Trump is set to use his speech to champion his immigration crackdowns and slashing of the federal government, as well as his push to preserve widespread tariffs that the Supreme Court just struck down and his ability to direct quick-hit military actions around the world, including in Iran and Venezuela.

“We have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages,” Trump plans to say, according to the excerpts. “We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago.”

Once his full speech begins, the balancing act of celebrating his whirlwind first year back in the White House while making a convincing case for his party in midterm races in which he personally won't be on the ballot could be a tall order.

It might prove especially delicate for Trump, given how happy he is to veer off script and ignore carefully crafted messaging.

A main theme will be that the country is booming with a rise in domestic manufacturing and new jobs, despite many Americans not feeling that way. “It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about," said Trump, who promised a heavy dose of talk about the economy.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Guests reflect political messaging

As tradition dictates, lawmakers from both parties have invited guests to highlight key issues. Trump has invited members of the US men’s ice hockey team following their Olympic gold. Democrats are bringing guests connected to policy debates, including family members linked to high-profile investigations. The gallery will reflect the broader political messaging battle playing out beyond the chamber floor.

Trump's State of the Union Address: Trump to promise 'turnaround for the ages' in State of the Union

US President Donald Trump was to deliver a high-stakes State of the Union address Tuesday, boasting of a "turnaround for the ages" and vowing to confront threats to America as conflict with Iran looms.

In what promises to be a marathon speech to a joint session of Congress, Trump will seek to sell voters on the achievements of a breakneck and deeply divisive first year back in power.

But the 79-year-old Republican faces a major challenge to reverse his dismal approval ratings and convince Americans ahead of crucial midterm elections in November.

Republicans fear Trump's unpopularity could lose them their wafer-thin majority in the House -- paralyzing the rest of Trump's second term and exposing him to a possible third impeachment.

Trump however was set to strike a defiant tone in the first official State of the Union of his second term.

"Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages," Trump was to say, according to excerpts released by the White House.

Trump is expected to focus in particular on the economy, having promised a "golden age" despite their concerns about the cost of living.

Trump's State of the Union Address Live: Mike Johnson opens joint session with George Washington’s gavel

With a sharp strike of his gavel, House Speaker Mike Johnson officially convened the joint session of Congress.

Resting on his desk was a historic gavel once used by George Washington, the nation’s first president.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Poll numbers weigh on White House

Recent polling shows Trump’s approval rating at 39 per cent, with lower approval on inflation. While immigration enforcement polls more favourably among his base, economic perceptions remain mixed. The president is expected to argue that inflation concerns are overstated and that structural gains are taking hold. How voters interpret his message could shape the political climate heading into the midterms.

Trump's State of the Union Live: Trump will lay out his midterm agenda at the State of the Union

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address at 9 p.m. ET is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November’s elections for control of the House and the Senate.

The president and his party appear vulnerable, with polls showing much of America distrusts how Trump has managed the government in his first year back in office. In addition, the Supreme Court last week struck down one of the chief levers of his economic and foreign policy by ruling he lacked the power to impose many of his sweeping tariffs.

Though Trump is expected to focus on domestic issues, his intensifying threats about launching military strikes on Iran over its nuclear program cast a shadow over the address.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will give the Democratic Party response following Trump’s speech. California Sen. Alex Padilla, who made national headlines last year after being forced to the ground and handcuffed by federal agents, will deliver the party’s response in Spanish.

Tump's State of The Union Live: At Trump's State of the Union, Supreme Court justices will be in the spotlight

President Donald Trump, who has excoriated the US Supreme Court's decision striking down his sweeping tariffs, is expected to come face-to-face with at least some of the justices when he delivers his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

The annual address, which has created uncomfortable moments for Supreme Court justices in the past, could highlight the tensions between Trump and the three conservative justices who joined its three liberal members in the 6-3 ruling on Friday: Chief Justice John Roberts, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett.

The Republican president appointed Gorsuch in 2017 and Barrett in 2020 during his first term in office. Roberts has served as chief justice for more than two decades since being appointed by Republican former President George W. Bush in 2005.


After the ruling was issued on Friday, Trump denounced the court and the six justices who ruled against him. The court in the decision found that Trump had exceeded his powers by bypassing Congress and imposing the tariffs under a US law meant for use in national emergencies.

Trump said he was "ashamed" of the three conservative justices who ruled against him, calling them "fools and lapdogs for the RINOs and the radical-left Democrats." RINO, meaning "Republican in name only," is a term sometimes used by conservative Republicans to insult fellow Republicans viewed as disloyal to the party.

Gorsuch and Barrett, Trump said, were "an embarrassment to their families" for ruling against him on tariffs. Trump also alleged, without providing evidence, that the court has been "swayed by foreign interests."

Trump, though, lauded the three justices who ruled in his favor, with high praise in particular for his 2018 appointee Brett Kavanaugh.
Supreme Court justices often attend the State of the Union address, and some of the current nine are expected to be present inside the U.S. House of Representatives chamber for Trump's speech to a joint session of Congress. The court has not yet said which justices will attend on Tuesday.

Customarily, justices who attend wear their judicial robes and typically sit expressionless.

The attendance of the justices "sends a message of stability" and "conveys that these aren't enemy institutions," Brown University political science professor Corey Brettschneider said.

In an address to Congress last year, Trump clasped Roberts by the hand, patted him on the shoulder, and told him: "Thank you again. I won't forget."

The remark came in the aftermath of a 2024 Supreme Court decision authored by Roberts granting Trump, who had faced criminal charges while out of office, broad immunity from prosecution for official acts as president. Trump later said he was thanking Roberts for swearing him at his inauguration.

Four justices attended Trump's last formal State of the Union in 2020.

Roberts has attended every State of the Union address since joining the Supreme Court, even though he has publicly questioned why he bothers.
"The image of having the members of one branch of government standing up, literally surrounding the Supreme Court, cheering and hollering, while the court, according to the requirements of protocol, has to sit there expressionless, I think is very troubling," Roberts said during a 2010 speech at the University of Alabama, according to media reports.

"To the extent the State of the Union has degenerated into a political pep rally," Roberts added, "I'm not sure why we're there."
Roberts made those remarks after Democratic President Barack Obama during his State of the Union address criticized a Supreme Court ruling striking down certain campaign finance limits, saying it would "open the floodgates" to unlimited corporate and potentially foreign money in U.S. elections.

Conservative Justice Samuel Alito, present for the speech, reacted by shaking his head and appearing to mouth "not true," a departure from the traditionally impassive demeanor of the justices.

Alito has shunned the State of the Union ever since, calling it a "very awkward" tradition.

In a 2015 interview with the American Spectator, a conservative news outlet, Alito indicated that justices may be placed in a difficult position attending State of the Union addresses.

"Every once in a while the president will say something that is nonpartisan," Alito said. "We look foolish sitting there, so we stand up and start to applaud. And then we'll get faked out. The president will get say, 'This is a great country' - and everyone will stand up and start to applaud - 'because we're gonna do this, we're gonna enact this legislation.' It's a very odd experience."

The late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia also had a policy of skipping the speech, which he once called a "childish spectacle."
Democratic President Joe Biden during his 2024 State of the Union address looked directly at the justices who were present and admonished them over the court's 2022 ruling that rolled back abortion rights.

"With all due respect, justices, women are not without ... electoral or political power," Biden said.

The last time all nine members of the court missed a State of the Union address was in 2000, near the end of Democratic President Bill Clinton's second term. The court, in a public statement at the time, attributed the absences to "travel changes and minor illnesses."

Trump's State of The Union Live: Epstein-linked protests enter spotlight

Investigations linked to Jeffrey Epstein are resurfacing in the political conversation. US Representative Pramila Jayapal said she will bring Marijke Chartouni, an Epstein survivor, as her guest. Chartouni said, “I am attending the State of the Union tonight to remind the House, the Senate, and the Executive that survivors will not remain silent through this continued institutional failure.” The issue adds another layer of political tension to the evening.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Immigration policy fuels tension

The Department of Homeland Security remains largely shut amid a dispute over immigration funding. Trump’s deportation drive has drawn both praise and criticism. Recent enforcement actions, including fatal incidents during protests, have intensified debate. Democrats have sought to condition funding on limits to enforcement, while Republicans argue voters endorsed a tougher approach. The speech may revisit border security and enforcement priorities.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Congress accused of ceding power

Critics argue Congress has allowed Trump to amass authority through hundreds of executive actions. Several of these actions are being challenged in court. Legal advocacy groups say cases against the administration are being filed at record levels. The Supreme Court’s tariff ruling has intensified scrutiny of the separation of powers, with some lawmakers warning that institutional boundaries are being tested.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Official Democratic rebuttals lined up

Virginia Governor Abby Spanberger will deliver the official Democratic response to the speech. Senator Alex Padilla is set to present the Spanish-language rebuttal. Democratic leaders are expected to focus on concerns about executive overreach, inflation and immigration enforcement tactics. The rebuttals will aim to counter Trump’s economic claims and highlight what they see as risks to democratic institutions and checks and balances.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Democrats plan boycott and protests

More than 20 Democratic lawmakers are expected to skip the address in favour of an outdoor rally. Others plan to attend but remain visibly silent. Senator Jeff Merkley said the alternative event would offer a more “honest description” of Trump’s record rather than what he called a “propaganda push.” The protest plans underscore the deep partisan divide that will frame the evening’s proceedings inside the House chamber.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Midterms add urgency to message

The address comes with November midterm elections looming. Republicans hold narrow margins in Congress, and any loss of seats could stall the president’s legislative ambitions. Party strategists have urged Trump to stay focused on economic messaging and avoid distractions. A strong performance could consolidate Republican unity, while missteps may embolden Democratic critics who argue the administration has overreached on executive power.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Lengthy speech expected

Trump has indicated the address will be extensive. “It is going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,” he said at a White House event. His comparable speech last year ran nearly 100 minutes, the longest in modern history. White House officials say the latest speech has been crafted with flexibility, allowing room for emphasis shifts depending on developments.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Iran tensions loom large over speech

Foreign policy is likely to be a central theme, with Washington moving additional military assets to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. Talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme are expected to resume this week, but Trump is reportedly weighing further action. The speech could mark his most detailed public case yet on the issue. Observers will listen closely for language signalling either diplomatic openness or readiness for escalation under his stated “peace through strength” doctrine.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Economy to dominate prime-time address

White House officials say Trump will “claim victory on the economy” during the speech. He is expected to cite stock market gains, private-sector investment and tax legislation as proof of progress. However, recent figures show economic growth slowed to 1.4 per cent in the fourth quarter, down sharply from 4.4 per cent in the previous quarter. Polls indicate many voters remain concerned about inflation and living costs. The address will test whether Trump can persuade a sceptical public that the economy is on stable footing.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Trump signals defiance on tariffs

Despite the court setback, Trump has not softened his position. Over the weekend, he raised a 10 per cent replacement import fee to 15 per cent. He is expected to argue that Congress granted broad tariff authority to the executive branch. The president has framed the ruling as a temporary obstacle rather than a policy defeat. His speech may include a detailed defence of his trade strategy, aimed at reassuring supporters and financial markets that his economic doctrine remains intact.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Supreme Court ruling reshapes trade debate

The Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate Trump’s sweeping tariffs has altered the political landscape ahead of the speech. In its ruling, the court emphasised constitutional limits and checks and balances. Trump has criticised the justices who ruled against him and indicated he may pursue other executive authorities to reimpose duties. Republican lawmakers are divided, with some defending executive trade powers and others stressing constitutional clarity. Businesses are watching closely for signals of predictability and policy direction, particularly regarding revenue already collected under the tariff regime.

Trump's State of The Union Live: Trump set to address Congress after tariff setback

President Donald Trump will address a joint session of Congress tonight, days after the Supreme Court struck down most of his global tariff regime. The ruling has undercut a central pillar of his economic agenda and revived debate over presidential trade powers. The prime-time speech is expected to see Trump defend his approach and outline alternative legal avenues to restore levies. With midterm elections approaching, the address offers him a major platform to reset the narrative. Lawmakers from both parties will attend, though several Democrats have announced plans to boycott or stage protests.