Trump to promote economic record in State of the Union address: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is set to use his State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, to highlight his administration’s economic record and outline new measures aimed at lowering costs for Americans, as Republicans seek to address voter concerns ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
The official theme of the speech, according to White House officials familiar with the draft, is 'America at 250: Strong, Prosperous and Respected,' marking the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The address will highlight American exceptionalism and feature stories of Americans who have benefited from Trump's policies.
Trump on economy, affordability and domestic agenda
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump is expected to use the high-profile platform to promote his agenda, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal. He is also set to review prominent policies, including tax cuts passed by Republicans in Congress last year and efforts to lower prescription d**g prices.
Trump can also call on Congress to pass legislation codifying the healthcare framework he released earlier this year, which proposes redirecting federal subsidies from insurers to consumers. While some Republicans have praised the plan, they have shown little interest in advancing it during a midterm election year.
The speech comes as polling shows voters are dissatisfied with the economy and concerned about costs. Political strategists in both parties warn that those frustrations could translate into Republican losses in November.
Trump’s top advisers have encouraged him to focus on affordability. Trump has also faced the challenge of praising the economy under his leadership while acknowledging voter concerns, even as inflation has cooled; recent government data showed US economic growth slowed sharply at the end of last year.
Voter sentiment has grown increasingly negative. An average of polls tracked by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report shows 41% approve of how Trump is handling his job, while 57% disapprove.
Last March, disapproval exceeded approval by 2 points; the gap stands at 16 points. Wall Street Journal polling last month found a majority of voters disapprove of his handling of the economy, immigration, tariffs, foreign policy and healthcare, with border security emerging as one of the few agenda items earning broad approval.
Trump’s foreign policy agenda and tariff battle with the Supreme Court
Trump is also expected to unveil new domestic policies targeting affordability. Among them is a formal announcement of “rate payer protection pledges” negotiated with major technology companies.
The pledges require tech companies to cover increased electricity costs in communities where new AI data centers are being built. According to White House officials, the companies have committed to “pay their own way” to prevent electricity prices from rising for consumers.
The address will also unfold against the backdrop of a US military buildup in the Middle East, as tensions with Iran escalate amid negotiations over a potential nuclear deal and the possibility of a strike.
The report also noted that he plans to devote a portion of the speech to foreign policy, where he is expected to outline his “peace through strength” strategy. The address will also come just days after the Supreme Court struck down core elements of his tariff regime, ruling that the administration imposed duties without clear congressional authorization.
The court determined that his use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs exceeded presidential authority, delivering a significant setback to his trade agenda. Several Supreme Court justices whom Trump criticized after the ruling will be seated in the front row during the address.
“It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,” Trump said Monday.
