In his State of the Union address Tuesday, President Donald Trump should spotlight his achievements over the past year — and lay out, with clarity and optimism, the work still to come. The country ought to see him as the happy warrior he deserves to be: confident, upbeat, and proud.
Trump began his second term promising a “golden age,” pledging to reverse what he called the misery and disorder of the Biden years. From day one, he moved quickly to back up those promises.
He secured the southern border almost immediately, slashing illegal migrant crossings by more than 90% and moving toward near total control — disproving Democrats’ long-running claim that the problem could not be solved without sweeping new legislation.
On the world stage, Trump brokered agreements that halted no fewer than seven international conflicts. He also did what no other president dared: destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities, setting its bomb program back years. And he ordered the capture of Venezuela’s criminal strongman, Nicolás Maduro.
At home, Trump pushed back against the antisemitism and racially driven DEI ideology spreading across American campuses. He also began rebuilding the U.S. military around readiness and strength, not political slogans and social engineering.
All of that has left the nation stronger — making it fitting that Trump’s address comes after a burst of national pride tied to recent Olympic hockey victories. That spirit was captured by Jack Hughes, who cheered, “This is all about our country right now. I’m so proud to be American today.”
The president should reflect that pride in his speech, while also acknowledging the challenges ahead. Above all, Americans remain uneasy about the economy. Many are unsure whether the country is truly climbing out of the hole dug in recent years and are waiting for proof that they are no longer losing ground.
That’s why this address must ultimately be about them — offering credible reasons for hope. There’s no room for old grievances. Instead, Trump should show he understands the public’s anxiety after scenes of unrest and instability in places like Minneapolis.
One effective way to do that is to restate his long-held support for legal immigration — welcoming newcomers who follow the rules and help build America’s future. Sending home the chaotic surge of illegal migrants from the Biden era (an estimated 2.5 million have already left) goes hand in hand with restoring a lawful, regulated immigration system.
With the midterms approaching, Democrats and their media allies will try to stir pessimism and fear, hoping to derail or delay any recovery. By reassuring Americans in his State of the Union, Trump can serve both his party’s political interests and the nation’s deeper need for confidence and direction.
