A Speech Packed with Achievements and Applause (Image Credits: Flickr)
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump delivered a marathon State of the Union address on February 24, clocking in at nearly two hours and cementing it as the longest in U.S. history.[1][2]
A Speech Packed with Achievements and Applause
Trump opened by thanking congressional leaders and guests, including Olympic athletes and military heroes. He honored veterans with medals like the Purple Heart and Presidential Medal of Freedom during the event. The president contrasted the challenges he inherited—high inflation, open borders, and rising crime—with what he called a “stunning economic turnaround.”[1]
Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance sat nearby as Trump detailed policy wins. Democrats reacted with protests, including shouts and a boycott by some members. The address featured emotional reunions and award ceremonies, blending pageantry with policy pitches.[3]
Grocery Bills Lead Economic Highlights
Trump devoted significant time to the economy, claiming core inflation fell to 1.7 percent in late 2025, the lowest in over five years. Gasoline prices dropped below $2.30 a gallon nationwide, with some areas as low as $1.85. Mortgage rates also declined, saving typical homeowners nearly $5,000 annually.[2]
Food costs received special emphasis. “The price of eggs is down 60 percent,” Trump stated. “The cost of chicken, butter, fruit… is lower today than when I took office, by a lot. And even beef, which was very high, is starting to come down significantly.”[1] He credited increased oil production—up 600,000 barrels daily—and tariffs for these reductions. Stock market records and $18 trillion in new investments further bolstered his optimistic outlook.[2]
Critics noted voter concerns persisted despite these claims, with polls showing low approval on economic handling. Trump dismissed such views, insisting prices continued to plummet.[4]
Border Wins and Crime Reductions
Immigration dominated another section. Trump reported zero illegal entries for nine months and a 56 percent drop in fentanyl flows. He called for the SAVE America Act to mandate voter ID and citizenship proof, alongside the Delilah Law barring licenses for undocumented individuals.[1]
Crime rates fell sharply, he said, with murders in Washington, D.C., down 100 percent in January after National Guard deployments. Policies ended sanctuary cities and targeted repeat offenders released under no-cash bail systems.[3]
Global Strides and Domestic Reforms
Foreign policy triumphs included ending eight conflicts, from Gaza ceasefires to Venezuelan regime change. Trump detailed strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and NATO pledges for higher defense spending. Domestically, tax cuts eliminated levies on tips and overtime, while new “Trump Accounts” offered tax-free savings for children.[1]
- Largest tax cuts ever, including no tax on Social Security.
- Executive order banning Wall Street home purchases.
- Drug price transparency and “Most Favored Nation” deals.
- War on fraud to balance the budget.
- Ratepayer Protection Pledge for energy projects.
Health care shifts directed funds from insurers to patients, promising lower costs.[5]
Looking Ahead to Midterms
The speech outlined few new legislative asks, focusing instead on codifying existing wins like drug pricing and insider trading bans. Trump baited opponents on culture issues, drawing outbursts from Democrats like Rep. Ilhan Omar.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Food prices like eggs fell 60 percent under Trump’s policies.
- Economy added record jobs; inflation hit five-year low.
- Border sealed; crime at historic lows in major cities.
Trump closed by invoking America’s founding, promising a “golden age.” As midterms loom, the address rallied his base but sparked debate on its economic rosy picture. What do you think about these claims? Tell us in the comments.
