‘We have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before.’
US President Donald Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., on 24 February 2026.
Photograph courtesy of KENNY HOLSTON/POOL/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump boasted Tuesday of a “turnaround for the ages” in his State of the Union speech, seeking to reverse dismal polls and see off mounting challenges at home and abroad ahead of crucial midterm elections.
Trump sought to paint a rosy picture of his achievements in his longest-ever speech to Congress — and despite branding Democrats “crazy” the Republican president largely struck a measured tone.
But Trump’s speech — met with repeated standing ovations from Republicans while Democrats remained seated in protest and sometimes heckled — was notably short on actual policy announcements.
As US naval and air forces massed in the Middle East, Trump claimed Iran was seeking missiles able to hit US territory but said his “preference” was for a diplomatic solution.
Trump began what became a record-breaking one hour and 47 minute State of the Union by painting an optimistic picture, declaring America was “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”
“Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages,” Trump said.
The 79-year-old hopes the primetime speech, broadcast across all major networks, will help him to sell that message to voters after a deeply divisive first year back in power.
Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer called Trump’s speech “delusional” and said it failed to address the struggles of ordinary Americans.
Underwater in opinion polls, Trump focused on what he said were his administration’s economic achievements but offered little solace for voters angered by the cost of living.
Trump fears his Republican Party will lose control over Congress in the November midterms, paralyzing the rest of his second term and exposing him to a possible third impeachment.
