US President Donald Trump used his first State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to declare that America has entered a new "golden age" under his leadership, crediting aggressive tariff policies and immigration enforcement for what he described as the "biggest economic turnaround in history."
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump sought to rally his Republican base and shore up support ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. He repeatedly highlighted record stock market highs—the Dow Jones surpassing 50,000 "four years ahead of schedule" and the S&P 500 reaching 7,000—and positioned tariffs as the primary driver of both economic gains and national security improvements.
"One of the primary reasons for our country's stunning economic turnaround, the biggest in history… were tariffs," Trump declared. "I used these tariffs, took in hundreds of billions of dollars, to make great deals for our country, both economically and on a national security basis."
The president sharply criticized last week's Supreme Court ruling that invalidated broad "reciprocal" tariffs, fentanyl-related levies, and other duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), calling the decision "very unfortunate." He asserted that only Congress holds the power to institute such taxes but insisted he retains authority through "alternative legal statutes" that have "been tested for a long time."
"They're a little more complex, but they're actually probably better, leading to a solution that will be even stronger than before," Trump said.
He referenced his recent executive order imposing a 10% global tariff—later raised to 15% "over and above our normal tariffs already being charged"—and announced additional trade investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which targets "unjustifiable" or "discriminatory" foreign trade practices. Trump also cited Section 122 of the same act, allowing temporary duties up to 15% to address balance-of-payments deficits, though limited to 150 days without congressional extension.
The president faces significant challenges in securing congressional approval for expanded tariffs, with opposition emerging even among some Republicans concerned about higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and retaliatory measures from trading partners.
Trump's address was marked by repeated attacks on Democrats, whom he accused of refusing to applaud his achievements and prioritizing "illegal aliens" over American citizens. At one point, he challenged them directly: "If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." When Democrats remained seated, he added: "Isn't that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself. Not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself."
The speech largely avoided detailed policy prescriptions beyond tariffs and border security, focusing instead on triumphant claims of economic revival, stock market records, and a "turnaround for the ages" after just one year in office.
The State of the Union comes at a pivotal moment for Trump and the Republican Party, with midterms looming and GOP control of Congress narrow. The address aimed to energize the base, project strength on the economy and immigration, and frame Democratic opposition as out-of-touch.
Reactions were sharply divided along partisan lines. Republicans praised the speech as bold and unifying, while Democrats criticized it as divisive, light on substance, and heavy on exaggeration. Independent analysts noted that while stock indices have indeed reached new highs, attributing them solely to tariffs remains debated among economists, many of whom warn of inflationary risks and trade war fallout.
No major policy announcements or legislative proposals accompanied the speech, though Trump hinted at continued aggressive use of executive authority on trade despite the Supreme Court setback.
As the 2026 midterm campaign intensifies, the address sets the tone for a Republican strategy centered on economic nationalism, border security, and confrontation with Democratic policies.
