Trump's Longest State of the Union Yet: Tariffs, Supreme Court Blow and a Deeply Divided America

President Donald Trump opened his second-term State of the Union address by framing his presidency in historic terms, referencing the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary and declaring the arrival of a 'golden age of America.'

'Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before,' he told lawmakers gathered in the House chamber on 24 February.

The speech lasted more than one hour and 45 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union on record. It blended celebration of the first year back in office with sharp criticism of Democrats and an outline of future policy ambitions, coming at a moment of deep political division. Approval ratings have slipped in recent polling, and history suggests presidents often face electoral setbacks in midterm elections.

Tariffs and the Supreme Court

A central theme of the address was trade policy. The president defended the wide-ranging tariffs imposed over the past year, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that found a portion of those import taxes unconstitutional. He reiterated plans to impose replacement tariffs under different legal authorities, arguing they would strengthen American industry and, over time, reduce reliance on income taxes.

'As time goes by, the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax,' he said. Economists disputed the claim, and recent polls suggest that many Americans disapprove of the tariff increases, which studies indicate have raised costs for businesses and consumers.

Economic Promises and Policy Proposals

Beyond defending the first-year record, several initiatives were outlined for congressional support. These included retirement accounts for people without access to employer-sponsored plans, with the federal government matching contributions up to $1,000 annually, and 'ratepayer protection pledges' requiring tech companies building energy-intensive data centers to pay more for electricity to prevent price spikes in local communities. Tax cuts passed under the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' were also highlighted, alongside criticism of Democratic opposition to the legislation.

Immigration and Confrontation

Immigration featured prominently, with guests including relatives of crime victims involving individuals in the country illegally. At one point, attendees were asked to stand if they agreed that 'the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.' Many Democrats remained seated, prompting a sharp rebuke and one of the most confrontational moments of the evening, underscoring partisan divides.

Foreign Policy Signals

Toward the end, the address turned to foreign affairs. The release of Israeli hostages by Hamas was welcomed, and tensions with Iran were highlighted, including last year's US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. 'My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy, but I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror to obtain a nuclear weapon,' the president said, reaffirming a posture of deterrence combined with conditional openness to negotiation.

Democratic Rebuttal

In response, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger focused on issues argued to be insufficiently addressed, including the cost of living. She criticised tariff and tax policies and highlighted concerns over government job cuts and affordability pressures, emphasising economic strain as a defining issue for many voters.

A Presidency Under Pressure

The address projected confidence and momentum, celebrating what was characterised as a year of transformation while presenting an assertive agenda on trade, taxation, immigration, and foreign policy. However, it also highlighted the sharp divisions in American politics, with Republican applause contrasting visible Democratic dissent.

As midterm elections approach, the president faces the dual challenge of defending the record while persuading voters that the second-term agenda will improve economic security.