President Donald Trump told Congress Tuesday night that America has pulled off a “turnaround for the ages” as he delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term — and, just to make sure no one missed it, he did it in the longest speech in recent history. When you’ve got wins to list, brevity is overrated.
“After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before,” Trump declared. His address celebrated major policy shifts, including ending DEI programs, securing the border, unleashing U.S. energy, and most importantly, strengthening the economy for everyday Americans.
Trump focused heavily on reversing what he described as the stagnant economy inherited from the Biden administration, which saw inflation hit 40-year highs. He highlighted savings for working families through his “big, beautiful bill,” including no tax on tips and no tax on overtime — because apparently letting people keep their money is still considered radical in some circles.
To put a human face on those policies, Trump pointed to an invited guest, Megan Hemhauser, a homeschooling mother and nighttime waitress whose family has benefited directly from his tax plan. He explained that with no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and an expanded child tax credit passed by Republicans, Megan and her husband will take home more than $5,000 extra this year, cutting their tax bill by more than half. Real people, real paychecks — imagine that.
Lower prices were a central theme of the speech. Trump blamed the previous administration for producing “the worst inflation in the history of our country,” but said his administration drove core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years. In the last three months of 2025, it dropped to 1.7%. Gas prices, which once soared past $6 a gallon in some states, are now below $2.30 in most states and even as low as $1.85 in parts of Iowa. A true horror story for anyone who enjoyed paying more.
Tariffs also featured prominently. Trump criticized a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his use of an emergency law to impose sweeping tariffs, calling the decision “unfortunate,” while signaling he would pursue other legal paths to move forward. Several justices who ruled against him were present in the chamber, adding a little courtroom drama to the evening.
The speech wasn’t without interruptions. Democrats heckled Trump at multiple points. Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber while holding a sign, and Rep. Ilhan Omar shouted insults during remarks about alleged Somali-linked fraud in Minnesota. Nothing says “serious policy rebuttal” quite like yelling from your seat.
Trump also invited a wide range of guests, including everyday Americans, military heroes, families affected by crimes committed by illegal immigrants, the U.S. men’s hockey team fresh off a gold medal, and Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk.
Throughout the address, Trump challenged Democrats directly, calling out lawmakers who refused to affirm that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens rather than illegal aliens.
The message was clear: the country is stronger, prices are falling, families are keeping more of their money, and the administration is pushing forward despite resistance. Call it long, call it bold, but one thing is certain — Trump’s State of the Union made one argument loud and clear: America is back on track, and the best days are still ahead.
