US President Donald Trump says US is ‘bigger, better, richer’ in State of the Union speech
Speaking before Congress, Trump framed the moment against the backdrop of the United States’ upcoming 250th Independence Day on July 4, calling it an “epic milestone” and describing the present as the “golden age of America.”
The president contrasted current conditions with what he called a “nation in crisis” when he returned to office last year, citing high inflation, border crossings, crime and global instability. “We will never go back,” he told lawmakers.
He claimed the US now has “the strongest and most secure border in American history,” asserting that zero illegal immigrants had been admitted in the past nine months and that the flow of fentanyl had dropped by 56%. He also said the murder rate had recorded its steepest decline ever.
On the economy, Trump pointed to what he described as falling core inflation — down to 1.7% in the last three months of 2025 — lower gasoline prices, easing mortgage costs and a stock market that has hit 53 record highs since the election. He contrasted his record with that of his predecessor, claiming his administration secured over $18 trillion in investment commitments in a single year.
Energy production featured prominently. Trump said US oil output had risen by more than 600,000 barrels a day and natural gas production was at an all-time high, repeating his campaign line: “drill, baby, drill.”
The speech leaned heavily on contrasts with the previous administration, framing his first year back in office as a decisive break — and setting the tone for an election year argument that America, in his words, is “the hottest country anywhere in the world.
The State of the Union address is a speech widely seen as a preview of the Republican Party’s message ahead of the November elections that will determine control of the House and Senate.
Trump enters the address facing political headwinds. Recent polls suggest skepticism among voters over his handling of the government during his first year back in office. His agenda also suffered a setback last week when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that he lacked the authority to impose several of his sweeping tariffs — a key pillar of his economic and foreign policy approach.
The Democratic response will be delivered by Abigail Spanberger, the Governor of Virginia. Alex Padilla, a Democratic senator from California who drew national attention last year after being forcibly detained by federal agents, will present the party’s Spanish-language rebuttal.
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