Trump declares a ‘golden age of America’ in State of the Union address

Trump points to upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence as historic milestone
PUBLISHED FEB 25, 2026
Donald Trump touts immigration and economic policies as driving America’s revival in State of the Union address (Screengrab/The White House/YouTube)
Donald Trump touts immigration and economic policies as driving America’s revival in State of the Union address (Screengrab/The White House/YouTube)


WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump opened his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, with a triumphant assessment of his first year back in the White House, declaring, 'this is the golden age of America.'

Chants of 'USA!' filled the chamber after House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the president. Trump then immediately recognized first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance, both of whom received standing ovations from Republicans.

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)
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) 

Trump promises historic comeback in State of the Union address

Trump began his remarks by addressing “Members of Congress and my fellow Americans,” proclaiming, “Our nation is back bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before.”

He pointed ahead to a historic national celebration, stating, “Less than five months from now, our country will celebrate an epic milestone in American history, the 250th anniversary of our glorious... American independence.”

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)
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)

He continued, “This July 4th, we will mark two and a half centuries of liberty and triumph, progress and freedom in the most incredible and exceptional nation ever to exist on the face of the earth. You've seen nothing yet. We're going to do better and better and better. This is the golden age of America.”

Reflecting on the past year, Trump said, “When I last spoke in this chamber 12 months ago, I had just inherited a nation in crisis with a stagnant economy, inflation at record levels, a wide open border.” He also cited “horrendous recruitment for military and police, rampant crime at home, and wars and chaos all over the world.”

Joe Biden reacts as supporters greet Joe Biden with a light display showing Georgians love for Joe Biden at his debate watch party at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)
Joe Biden reacts as supporters greet him with a light display showing Georgians' love for Joe Biden at his debate watch party at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia (Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)

Trump highlights 'Turnaround for the Ages' at the State of the Union address

Contrasting that period with the present, he declared, “But 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 further added, “It is indeed a turnaround for the ages. Yeah! And we will never go back to where we were just a very short time ago. We're not going back.”

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Trump family members (top row (L-R) Bettina Anderson, LaraTrump Jared Kuschner and (bottom row L to R) Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Barron Trump and First Lady Melania Trump applaud during the 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)
Trump family members Bettina Anderson, Lara Trump, Jared Kushner, Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, Barron Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump applaud during the 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)

Trump asserted, “Today our border is secure.” He continued, “Today our border is secure, our spirit is restored, and inflation is plummeting. Incomes are rising fast. The roaring economy is roaring like never before, and our enemies are scared, our military and police are stacked, and America is respected again, perhaps like never before.”

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