Trump boasts about ending DEI, cutting ‘job-killing’ regulations in State of the Union

President Donald Trump said ending DEI restores merit, boosts jobs, cuts regulations and lifted 2.4 million Americans off food stamps
President Donald Trump said he 'ended DEI in America' during his 2026 State of the Union, after a protester was escorted out (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said he 'ended DEI in America' during his 2026 State of the Union, after a protester was escorted out (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said his administration has “ended DEI in America” during his 2026 State of the Union address. The speech followed a brief disruption when an attendee from AI Green D Texas was escorted out of the chamber for displaying a protest sign. 

Trump touts DEI rollback, regulatory cuts

President Donald Trump pointed to executive actions dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government.

President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the US Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

His orders directed agencies to eliminate DEI offices and related hiring practices. Trump and his allies argue the changes restore merit-based standards in federal hiring and contracting, while critics warn rolling back DEI could weaken civil rights protections and efforts to reduce disparities.

Trump framed the move as part of a broader economic plan. “More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country,” he said, adding that “100% of all jobs created under my administration have been in the private sector.”

He also emphasized cutting a record number of what he called “job-killing regulations” and claimed his policies lifted 2.4 million Americans off food stamps in a single year.

Trump reiterated his efforts to end DEI programs, declaring, “We ended DEI in America,” and directed his cabinet secretaries to carry out the initiatives across the federal government.

Trump touts Venezuelan oil imports and production gains

U.S. President Donald Trump applauds during his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump applauds during his State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the US Capitol on February 24, 2026, in Washington, DC (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump said he has boosted US oil and gas production. He claimed his policies increased American oil output by more than 600,000 barrels a day and that natural gas production is at record levels.

Trump also pointed to increased oil imports from Venezuela, saying the country is now a new energy partner. In his State of the Union address, he repeated his campaign slogan “drill, baby, drill” to highlight his support for expanded energy production.

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