President Donald Trump used the opening stretch of his State of the Union address to tout his economic agenda before turning sharply toward Democrats over their opposition to his sweeping tax legislation.
According to Fox News, while speaking to a joint session of Congress, Trump framed his policy goals as part of a broader vision for the country’s future, saying the nation was being rebuilt around working Americans.
“Together, we’re building a nation where every child has the chance to reach higher and go further, where government answers to the people, not the powerful, and where the interests of hardworking American citizens are always our first and ultimate concern,” Trump told lawmakers.
He tied that message to the upcoming anniversary of the country’s founding and urged Congress to continue advancing his tax agenda.
“That is the debt we owe to the heroes who came before us. And that is the promise we must keep to America for our 250th year last year. I urge this Congress to begin the mission by passing the largest tax cuts in American history, and our Republican majorities delivered so beautifully. Thank you, Republicans.”
Trump then pivoted to Democrats, criticizing their votes against what he called his signature tax package.
“All Democrats, every single one of them voted against these really important and very necessary massive tax cuts,” Trump said. “They wanted large-scale tax increases to hurt the people instead. But we held strong. And with the great big beautiful bill, we gave you no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security for our great seniors.”
He added that interest on auto loans would be tax-deductible “for the first time,” but only for vehicles manufactured in the United States.
The speech drew repeated standing ovations from Republicans in the chamber, particularly during Trump’s early remarks celebrating what he called a national turnaround.
“This is the golden age of America,” he 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, horrendous recruitment for military and police, rampant crime at home, and wars and chaos all over the world. 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. It is indeed a turnaround for the ages.”
Some Democrats skipped the address, and others planned counterprogramming. Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber after holding up a sign as Trump entered.
