Trump's theatrical State of the Union address offers little hint of any change in course

February 25, 2026

President Trump delivered a 107-minute State of the Union address emphasizing American achievement and patriotism while his approval ratings hover around 40 percent. The speech featured numerous theatrical moments, including recognizing Olympic athletes and military heroes, as he touted economic gains like rising incomes and reduced border crossings. Despite public dissatisfaction, Trump offered few new policy proposals, instead reiterating existing ideas on healthcare, voting requirements, and his commitment to tariffs despite a recent Supreme Court setback.

Who is affected

American voters and the general public experiencing dissatisfaction with the nation's direction
Republicans and Democrats in Congress facing upcoming midterm elections in eight months
Working-class Americans targeted for new retirement savings accounts
Consumers potentially affected by electricity costs from AI companies
Three Supreme Court justices who ruled against Trump's tariff regime
Undocumented migrants targeted by enforcement policies
Two American citizens killed by federal agents in Minneapolis during enforcement operations
Military personnel and veterans recognized during the speech
US Olympic men's hockey team and a Coast Guard swimmer honored in the gallery

What action is being taken

Trump is delivering a sales pitch to the nation through the State of the Union address
The president is pushing ahead with his tariff regime despite the Supreme Court's decision striking down many duties
Republicans in Congress are supporting Trump's immigration enforcement stance
There is a massive build-up of American forces near Iran
The administration is attempting to regain political ground on immigration following the Minneapolis shootings

Why it matters

This address is significant because it reveals Trump's strategy for upcoming midterm elections despite low approval ratings around 40 percent and widespread public dissatisfaction. The speech demonstrates Trump's refusal to change course on controversial policies like tariffs and immigration enforcement, even after setbacks including a Supreme Court ruling and deadly shootings that eroded his standing. The address serves as a critical moment where Trump is wagering that Americans' perceptions will shift through patriotic messaging and claims of economic success, with midterm elections just eight months away that will determine Congressional control and potentially the trajectory of his presidency.

What's next

Crucial midterm elections will take place later this year (in just over eight months)
Americans will head to the polls to determine the composition of both chambers of Congress
The nation's 250th birthday celebrations will occur this summer
Trump will continue to push for his tariff regime following the Supreme Court decision
The president indicates a preference to solve Iran tensions through diplomacy while maintaining military readiness

Read full article from source: BBC