Trump Promises Historic Turnaround in State of the Union Address

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed what he described as a “turnaround for the ages” during his State of the Union address, attempting to counter weak poll numbers and mounting political and international pressures ahead of pivotal midterm elections.

As he entered the House chamber to speak before a joint session of Congress, Republican lawmakers greeted him with applause and a standing ovation, while many Democrats remained seated in protest.

“My fellow Americans, our nation is back — bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” Trump declared.

In what was expected to be an unusually lengthy speech, the president sought to convince voters that his first year back in office had delivered sweeping change, despite its rapid pace and sharply divisive impact.

However, the 79-year-old continues to struggle in opinion surveys, and Republicans worry their narrow majority in the House could slip to Democrats in the midterms — potentially stalling the remainder of Trump’s second term and raising the specter of another impeachment effort.

Still, Trump adopted a combative tone in his first official State of the Union since returning to office.

“Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation unlike anything seen before — a turnaround for the ages,” he said.

‘Confront threats to America’

On foreign policy, Trump — who previously lamented not receiving last year’s Nobel Peace Prize — is weighing possible military action against Iran over its nuclear ambitions and its crackdown on domestic unrest.

“As president, I will pursue peace whenever possible — but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever necessary,” he was expected to say, according to prepared excerpts.

Shortly before the speech, his spokeswoman shared an image of Trump alongside his Iran envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The president had signaled in advance that the address would be lengthy, remarking Monday that it would be “a long speech because we have so much to talk about.” Speculation suggested it could stretch to nearly three hours — surpassing last year’s record-setting one hour and 40-minute address.

Yet Trump’s second year back in office has been marked by setbacks. Most recently, the Supreme Court struck down tariffs central to his economic strategy. Despite sharply criticizing the justices as “fools and lapdogs,” he greeted them with handshakes upon entering the chamber.

His administration has also faced backlash following the deaths of two US citizens during immigration raids in Minneapolis, renewed scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and a partial government shutdown.

A Washington Post–ABC News–Ipsos survey released Sunday placed Trump’s approval rating at 39 percent. Just 41 percent approved of his overall economic performance, while only 32 percent supported his handling of inflation.

Democratic protest

Democrats prepared various forms of protest, including boycotts and silent demonstrations. The New York Times reported that at least 40 Democratic lawmakers planned to skip the address.

The State of the Union is mandated by the US Constitution, which requires the president to periodically inform Congress about the condition of the nation.

As tradition dictates, both parties invited special guests to observe from the gallery. Trump extended invitations to the US men’s Olympic ice hockey team following their gold medal victory. However, the women’s team declined amid controversy sparked by Trump’s public remark suggesting the men “bring the women too.”

The president also invited Erika Kirk, widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Meanwhile, two Democratic representatives said they would host relatives of a victim connected to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Although Trump has denied any association with Epstein, the scandal continues to cast a shadow over his presidency.