President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday to refocus attention on the economy and immigration, offering a restrained performance aimed at consolidating Republican support ahead of November’s midterm elections, reports Reuters.
Speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump addressed voters’ concerns over the cost of living and public safety, while largely postponing detailed discussion of foreign policy flashpoints, including Iran, Ukraine and Russia.
Economic pitch amid voter anxiety
The president placed economic issues at the centre of his speech, highlighting housing, healthcare, utility bills, crime and retirement. He argued that inflation, mortgage rates and petrol prices were falling, while the stock market, oil production, foreign direct investment and construction were strengthening.
Trump said his proposals to lower drug prices and direct federal payments to individuals would reduce costs. He also maintained that tariffs previously struck down by the Supreme Court were generating revenue and had been restored under different legal authority.
However, official data present a mixed picture. Inflation rose last year, factory jobs declined and overall job growth was subdued. Although prices of some items, including eggs, have fallen since Trump returned to office, broader food and household costs have increased.
Reuters/Ipsos polling shows 56 per cent of voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the economy, while 36% approve. Republican strategists have warned that without a clearer message on inflation, the party risks losing control of Congress in November.
Stagecraft and symbolism
While more disciplined than in previous appearances, Trump incorporated theatrical elements designed for television audiences. He presented awards, introduced invited guests and clashed with Democratic lawmakers.
Among those honoured were Korean War Navy pilot E Royce Williams and Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He also publicly acknowledged invited guests, including Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot injured during the operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, received a Medal of Honor during the address.
Members of the US men’s ice hockey team, fresh from an Olympic gold medal, were introduced as evidence that the country was “winning” again. Other guests were framed as illustrations of policy themes, including Dalilah Coleman, a seven-year-old injured in a car accident, and Liberty University student Sage Blair.
The gestures underscored how the annual address has evolved into political theatre, blending policy and symbolism.
Muted foreign policy focus
Despite heightened tensions with Iran and a substantial US military build-up in the Middle East, Trump did not address Iran until more than an hour into his speech. He reiterated his position that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon and accused Iran of supporting regional proxy groups and killing protesters.
He did not provide new details on why military action might be urgent or outline specific objectives. References to Venezuela were brief, and Russia and Ukraine were scarcely mentioned. His previously stated ambition to acquire Greenland was absent from the address.
The limited early focus on national security stood out given the administration’s recent diplomatic activity. Trump has dispatched senior aides to negotiate over the war in Ukraine and to engage Iran. Last month, his administration deposed Venezuela’s leader, and relations with Caracas have consumed considerable attention.
Immigration narrative reset
Immigration, once a core strength for Trump, has become more politically complicated following high-profile killings of two US citizens by immigration agents and controversy over mass deportations.
In his address, Trump sought to regain the initiative. He described crimes committed by immigrants in graphic terms and argued that Democrats could not be trusted to secure the border. He did not mention the Border Patrol or US Immigration and Customs Enforcement by name.
The approach marked a return to the messaging that resonated during his 2024 campaign, while avoiding discussion of enforcement tactics that have drawn criticism.
Shifting priorities
Compared with his speech to Congress a year ago, several themes were notably absent. Plans to reclaim the Panama Canal and annex Greenland were not revisited. China, mentioned six times last year, was not referenced, as Trump has softened his stance ahead of a planned state visit in five weeks.
Praise for Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency was also omitted. Instead, Trump said he would launch a programme focused on fraud, chaired by Vice President JD Vance.
He also called for election law changes before the midterms, including voter identification requirements and limits on postal ballots.
Partisan divide on display
Trump argued Republicans deserved to retain control of Congress because of their handling of the economy, immigration and public safety. He attacked Democrats as irresponsible and damaging to the country, reinforcing the partisan tone of the evening.
Democrats remained seated during much of the speech, while Republicans repeatedly rose in applause. Some Democratic lawmakers, including Representatives Al Green, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, shouted objections.
The address reflected an administration recalibrating its message ahead of November, emphasising domestic themes while deferring contentious foreign policy decisions.
