Karoline Leavitt says Trump’s State of the Union to address 250th anniversary, economy, security

WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said a “large portion” of Donald Trump’s State of the Union address will focus squarely on the economy, with the president laying out what she described as an ambitious plan for working Americans.

Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday, February 24, that Trump will outline an agenda designed “to make America more affordable and prosperous and safe and make the American dream more attainable,” framing the speech as a roadmap for economic opportunity and stability.

White House says Trump will speak on ‘spirit of 1776’ and record accomplishments

Beyond pocketbook issues, Leavitt said the president will spotlight “the stories of great American heroes who exemplify bravery and the spirit of 1776,” tying the address to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.

She added that Trump will highlight what the White House calls record-setting accomplishments over the past year, while also setting out a forward-looking agenda aimed at continuing to make the American dream “more attainable and affordable for working-class people across the country.”

Drawing a contrast with Democrats on affordability

Pressed on the president’s economic message, Leavitt said Trump will argue that he and Republicans are better positioned to address the affordability crisis, which she blamed on the Joe Biden administration and Democrats in Congress. 

As examples of progress, she pointed to falling mortgage rates and said the president will emphasize Republican-backed tax policies on tips and overtime pay.

Leavitt said Trump plans to highlight the story of a Pennsylvania waitress who she said has benefited directly from those tax policies.

The address will also underscore US military strength, Leavitt said, citing last year’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as evidence of American resolve abroad. 

Viewers, she added, will hear the president speak about ongoing global threats and the steps the administration is taking to ensure the United States “is the safest country in the world” and remains the strongest.

Trump will call on Democrats to reopen DHS

Trump is also expected to call on Democrats to move quickly to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, which entered a shutdown earlier this month.

Democrats have been seeking changes to immigration enforcement policy before backing a funding bill for the department, setting up another flashpoint the president is likely to address during the speech.