Trump Touts Economy in State of the Union Address
REPORTER:
The economy and tariffs. These were the focuses of US President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address in his second term. Trump used the speech to sell the economy, as Republicans try to address American voters’ mounting concerns about the rising cost of living ahead of midterm elections this year.
REPORTER:
Trump also ripped into the Supreme Court, which ruled his “liberation day” tariffs illegal. Trump says he will persist with the tariffs using other legal means. He says that most countries will keep their trade agreements with the US, despite the Court’s ruling.
Donald Trump (US PRESIDENT):
But the good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made. Right, Scott? Knowing that the legal power that I as president have to make a new deal. Could be far worse for them. Therefore, they will continue to work along the same successful path that we had negotiated before the Supreme Court’s unfortunate involvement.
REPORTER:
With some Americans blaming Trump's tariffs for higher prices of consumer goods, he pointed to economic policies meant to address issues such as health care, housing, and electricity—keeping with the affordability focus of his speech.
REPORTER:
After focusing on domestic issues, Trump touched briefly on foreign policy. He touted the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and called out Iran’s nuclear weapons program, as a massive US military buildup is on standby in the region. On the 4th anniversary of Russia’s invasion, Trump also spoke about the war in Ukraine, a conflict he said on the campaign trail that he would solve within 24 hours of taking office.
Donald Trump (US PRESIDENT):
We’re working very hard to end the ninth war, the killing and slaughter between Russia and Ukraine, where 25,000 soldiers are dying each and every month. Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month.
REPORTER:
Trump also traded barbs with some Democratic representatives, who were protesting his crackdown on immigration and other policies.
REPORTER:
With deep divides in the US over a range of issues, the looming midterms will be pivotal in deciding America’s direction.
