Trump’s 2026 State of Union address: Inside key takeaways, major policy shifts & top announcements

US President Donald Trump delivered a State of the Union Address to the nation on Tuesday.

The speech lasted approximately one hour and 48 minutes, setting a record for the longest speech of its kind in at least 60 years. President Trump also claimed his first year back in office has started a “new golden age” for America.

However, the President’s optimistic remarks came at a time when his approval ratings are at an all-time low for this term and people are becoming more concerned about the state of the economy.

Here are the main takeaways and policy highlights from Trump’s State of Union address.

Economy is reviving

During the address, Trump defended the state of the economy, claiming “inflation is plummeting and incomes are rising fast. The roaring economy is roaring like never before, and our enemies are scared.”

He blamed Democrats’ policies for making the cost of living high for American people.

“Their policies created high prices; our policies are rapidly ending them,” he said.

Now the prices of major google are under control, easing the pressure from the high cost of living.

New healthcare strategy

To lower medical bills and make healthcare affordable for the nation, Trump asked Congress to codify his healthcare ideas released earlier in the year. This plan allows redirecting federal subsidies from insurance companies to consumers buying the insurance.

The President also touted his steps to reduce the cost of prescription drugs through the federal Medicare program. He also asked Congress to turn the efforts aiming to stop private investment firms from buying residential homes into law.

Reaffirmed commitment to tariffs

Trump also slammed the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in which the court struck down his sweeping tariff agenda.

Despite the ruling, the President bypassed the decision by imposing 10 percent tariffs on countries for 150 days.

During the address, Trump defended his decision for the betterment of the economy as the country was generating revenue through tariffs.

According to Trump, “tariffs were saving the country through the kind of money we’re taking in”, citing tariff revenue could one day replace the nation’s income tax, “taking a great financial burden off the people that I love.”

Trump has imposed new tariffs under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act that could face new legal challenges in coming days.

Unapologetic defense of immigration policy

Trump also defended his unapologetic immigration policy. He accused Democrats for allowing border invasion and cutting funding to the Department of Homeland Security.

Trump called for laws requiring voter identification to vote, and claimed that Democrats opposed such measures because they “want to cheat” in elections.

“Today, our border is secure, our spirit is restored,” Trump added.

The President also called for laws requiring the voters to present their identification before voting in a bid to curb cheating in federal elections.

Crackdown on fraud

Trump has put Vice President JD Vance in charge of a new “war on fraud.”

He believes that if Vance uncovers enough stolen or misused money, the government will be able to balance its budget. To get started, Vance announced he is forming a large team of experts from different government agencies to track down fraud.

“Our country is winning again. In fact, we are winning so much that we do not know what to do about it,” Trump added.