Trump's State of the Union Address: A Complete Overview of 16 Major Topics — Border Security and Immigration, Economy and Tariffs, Healthcare Reform, Iran Nuclear...

U.S. President Trump delivers the longest State of the Union address in history, declaring an “American Golden Age” covering border zero entry, inflation down to 1.7%, tariff defenses, tax cuts, Iran nuclear actions, overthrowing Maduro… and for the first time awards the Congressional Medal of Honor in Congress.
(Previous note: U.S. Customs announced on the 24th that it will stop collecting Trump’s unconstitutional tariffs, but the $175 billion tax refund remains unresolved)
(Background supplement: Trump adds more late at night! Global tariffs increase from 10% to 15%, Bitcoin fluctuates around $68,000)

Table of Contents

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• Opening: “America’s Golden Age”
• Border Security and Immigration Policy
• Economic Achievements and Tariff Policy
• Tax Cuts and the “Big Beautiful Bill”
• Healthcare Reform
• Housing and Retirement Security
• Combating Fraud
• Social Issues and First Lady
• Domestic Security and Law Enforcement
• Foreign Policy and War
• Iran Nuclear and “Midnight Hammer” Operation
• Military Buildup and NATO
• Venezuela Action and War on Drugs
• Awarding Medals of Honor
• Hockey Gold Medal Team and Sports Events
• Conclusion: “The Revolution of 1776 Is Not Over”

Earlier, President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union speech of his second term at the Capitol, lasting over 1 hour and 45 minutes, breaking the longest record in at least 60 years for a presidential joint address to Congress.

In his speech, Trump reviewed his achievements over the past year in areas including economy, immigration, diplomacy, military, healthcare, and tax reform. Below are key points summarized from the full speech. (The following faithfully records what Trump said; multiple foreign media outlets have claimed some data and facts are inaccurate—please judge for yourself.)

Opening: “America’s Golden Age”

Trump opened with a grand historical narrative, claiming “Our country is back: bigger, better, richer, stronger than ever.” He pointed out that less than five months before the 250th anniversary of American independence, on July 4th this year, the U.S. will celebrate “two and a half centuries of freedom, victory, progress, and liberty,” and said, “You haven’t seen anything yet; we will get better and better. This is America’s Golden Age.”

He reflected on his first speech in this chamber 12 months ago, when he inherited a “country in crisis”: economic stagnation, record inflation, open borders, recruitment difficulties in military and police, rampant domestic crime, global wars and chaos.

But he stated that after a year, we can “dignifiedly and proudly say we have achieved an unprecedented transformation—this is a revolutionary turnaround.” He emphasized, “We will never go back to how things were not long ago. We will not turn back.”

Border Security and Immigration Policy

Trump extensively discussed border security, claiming “Today, our border is secure,” and that in the past nine months, zero illegal immigrants have been allowed into the U.S. He said deadly fentanyl flow has decreased by a record 56% in a year, and the murder rate has seen “the largest single-year decline in history,” reaching the lowest level in 125 years.

One of the most controversial moments was when Trump called on all members to stand in support of a statement: “The primary responsibility of the U.S. government is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants.” When Democrats refused to stand, Trump angrily said, “You should be ashamed.”

This moment sparked the most intense and divisive exchange of the evening. Trump further declared, “These people are crazy. I tell you, they are crazy. We are lucky our country still exists with them. The Democrats are destroying our country, but we just stopped them in time.”

He introduced families harmed by illegal immigrant crimes, including Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured in a car accident caused by an illegal immigrant driver at age five, and Lizbeth Medina’s mother, a high school cheerleader murdered by an illegal immigrant at age 16. He called for Congress to pass the “Dalilah Act,” banning states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.

He also demanded an end to sanctuary city policies, strict penalties for officials obstructing the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, and the passage of the “Save America Act,” requiring voters to show ID and proof of citizenship, and banning mail-in voting (except for illness, disability, military, or travel reasons).

Economic Achievements and Tariff Policy

Trump devoted much of his speech to promoting his economic record. He claimed Biden’s administration caused the worst inflation in U.S. history, but in his 12 months in office, core inflation dropped to its lowest in over five years, reaching 1.7% in the last three months of 2025. Gas prices, which in some states under the previous administration exceeded $6 per gallon, have fallen below $2.30 in most states, with some places as low as $1.99. He mentioned seeing $1.85 per gallon in Iowa.

Regarding mortgage rates, he said they are at their lowest in four years and continuing to decline, saving nearly $5,000 annually on a typical new mortgage compared to when he took office. The stock market has hit 53 all-time highs since the election, with the Dow surpassing 50,000 points.

He emphasized attracting over $18 trillion in investment commitments during his term, compared to less than $1 trillion in four years of the previous administration. He claimed U.S. oil production increased by over 600,000 barrels per day, natural gas hit record highs, and employment is at an all-time high, with 100% of new jobs in the private sector. He also mentioned ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) policies, reducing record numbers of employment barriers, and helping 2.4 million Americans come off food stamps. He declared, “Tonight, I can say our federal situation is strong.”

Regarding controversial tariffs, Trump defended them as a major reason for the U.S. economic turnaround. He acknowledged a “unfortunate ruling” by the Supreme Court four days ago that declared some tariffs unconstitutional but said nearly all countries and companies are willing to maintain existing agreements, and they will continue under “fully recognized and tested legal provisions” without Congressional action.

He reiterated his long-term vision: tariffs will eventually “significantly replace the modern income tax system.”

Tax Cuts and the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Trump praised the Republican Congress for passing the largest tax cut bill in U.S. history—the “Big Beautiful Bill”—including tax exemptions for tips, overtime pay, Social Security taxes, and mortgage interest deductions (limited to U.S.-made cars). He criticized all Democrats for voting against these tax cuts.

He highlighted Megan Hemhauser from Pennsylvania, a homeschooling mother who teaches during the day and waits tables at night, with her husband working overtime on heavy equipment. Thanks to the new tax law, their family will get over $5,000 more back annually, with their tax bill halved.

Trump also promoted the “Trump Accounts,” tax-free investment accounts for every American child, thanking Michael and Susan Dell for donating $6.25 billion to fund accounts for 25 million children. He said these accounts could grow to over $100,000 by age 18.

Healthcare Reform

Trump sharply criticized the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), claiming it made big insurance companies rich, with stock prices soaring 1,000% to 1,700%. He proposed stopping subsidies to insurers and instead giving funds directly to people to buy better, cheaper insurance. He emphasized full transparency in medical pricing.

On prescription drugs, he claimed that through “Most Favored Nation” agreements, U.S. drug prices—highest in the world for decades—will now become the lowest globally. He introduced Catherine Rayner, the first customer to get a discount via TrumpRX.gov, who needed to spend $4,000 on infertility medication but now pays less than $500. He urged Congress to codify the Most Favored Nation plan into law.

Additionally, to address concerns that AI data centers might raise electricity costs, Trump announced a “Power Cost Payer Protection Promise,” requiring big tech companies to build their own power plants to meet electricity needs, rather than raising community electricity bills.

Housing and Retirement Security

Trump introduced Rachel Wiggins from Houston, who bid on 20 homes but lost to big investment firms. He signed an executive order banning large Wall Street investment firms from buying up single-family homes, and called for Congress to make this ban permanent.

He pledged to forever protect Social Security and Medicare, noting that since taking office, the average 401(k) balance has increased by at least $30,000. He announced that next year, workers without employer-matched retirement plans will be offered a federal-style plan, with the government matching up to $1,000 annually.

He also called for passing the “Insider Trading Prohibition Act,” banning Congress members from profiting on insider information.

Fighting Fraud

Trump announced the launch of the “War on Fraud,” led by Vice President Pence and others. He specifically mentioned Minnesota’s Somali community, claiming it has defrauded an estimated $19 billion from U.S. taxpayers, and said California, Massachusetts, Maine are even worse. He stated that if enough fraud is uncovered, the budget could be balanced “overnight.”

Social Issues and First Lady

Trump highlighted Sage Blair from Virginia, who at 14 was subjected to a school attempt to secretly change her gender to male without parental consent. He called for banning gender transition procedures for children without parental approval. He praised First Lady Melania Trump for her contributions to AI legislation, foster youth initiatives, and the “$30 million Melania Trump Foster Youth Independence Initiative.”

He mentioned the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was “murdered” last year for his faith, and thanked his widow Erika for attending. He spoke of a religious revival during his presidency, especially among young people, with faith, Christianity, and belief in God flourishing.

Domestic Security and Law Enforcement

Trump introduced Anya Zarutska, who fled Ukraine war and came to the U.S. with her 23-year-old daughter Iryna, who was murdered last summer on a train by a criminal released on bail multiple times. He called for strict legislation to keep violent repeat offenders detained and not released.

He mentioned deploying National Guard and federal law enforcement to dangerous cities like Memphis, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C., since last summer, with significant results. He said crime in D.C. is at its lowest on record, with January murders down nearly 100% from a year earlier.

Trump paid special tribute to 20-year-old West Virginia Army National Guard specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was shot in the head while patrolling near the White House by a terrorist from Afghanistan. Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, also shot, miraculously survived thanks to his mother’s faith. Trump awarded Purple Heart medals to both on-site.

Foreign Policy and War

Trump claimed that within the first ten months of his presidency, he ended eight wars, including conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand, Pakistan and India (which could have led to nuclear war—Pakistan’s prime minister said without Trump’s intervention, 35 million would die), Kosovo and Serbia, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Congo and Rwanda, and the Gaza war.

He said all hostages—alive or dead—have been returned under the Gaza ceasefire. He thanked Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for assistance, and praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio as “possibly the best in history.” He mentioned about 25,000 soldiers dying each month in the Russia-Ukraine war, and that the U.S. is working to end this ninth war.

Iran Nuclear and “Midnight Hammer” Operation

Trump reviewed the June operation that destroyed Iran’s nuclear program—the “Midnight Hammer” (Operation Midnight Hammer). He pointed out Iran’s 47-year history of spreading terrorism and death, killing and maiming thousands of U.S. soldiers, developing missiles threatening Europe and U.S. bases abroad, and working on missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

He said Iran, after warnings, still attempts to rebuild its nuclear program. He emphasized prioritizing diplomacy but would never allow the “world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism” to have nuclear weapons.

Military Buildup and NATO

Trump announced approval of a record-breaking defense budget and said NATO allies agreed, at his strong urging, to increase military spending from 2% to 5% of GDP. He stressed all supplies to Ukraine go through NATO, and allies pay in full.

All military branches are recruiting at record levels, with each active service member recently receiving a “Warrior Bonus” of $1,776—an extra dollar from his original request of $1,775 to honor 1776.

Venezuela Action and War on Drugs

Trump designated drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, declaring illegal fentanyl a mass destructive weapon. He said military actions have stopped record amounts of drug flow into the U.S., “severely damaging their fisheries.” He detailed the January military operation that overthrew Maduro’s dictatorship, calling it “one of the most complex and spectacular displays of military power in world history.”

A highlight was a surprise for Venezuelan-American Alejandra Gonzales—her uncle Enrique Márquez, imprisoned for opposing Maduro, was released and brought to the chamber to reunite with her, both embracing emotionally.

Awarding Medals of Honor

This State of the Union unprecedentedly included two Congressional Medal of Honor awards. The first was Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, who was severely wounded in the helicopter he piloted during the Maduro raid but completed the landing to ensure success.

The second was 100-year-old retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, who during the Korean War in 1952 fought alone against seven Soviet MiGs, shooting down four—participating in the longest aerial combat in U.S. Navy history. Due to the classified nature of the mission, the award was delayed over seventy years. The medals were presented by First Lady Melania, marking the first time in history the Medal of Honor was awarded during a State of the Union speech.

Hockey Gold Medal Team and Sports Events

Early in his speech, Trump proudly introduced the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey gold medal team, as players entered the chamber holding their medals, receiving long-standing applause. He especially praised goalie Connor Hellebuyck for stopping 46 shots in the final, announcing he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also mentioned the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the U.S.

Conclusion: “The Revolution of 1776 Is Not Over”

Trump concluded with an optimistic outlook, saying, “The first 250 years were just the beginning,” and proclaimed, “America’s Golden Age has now arrived.” He ended passionately: “The revolution that began in 1776 is not over—it continues because the flame of freedom and independence still burns in every patriotic American’s heart.”