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US President Donald Trump is going back to Congress on Wednesday for his first State of the Union speech of his second term. He will argue that his presidency is about "Making America Great Again," even if some of his plans face challenges both at home and internationally. The speech, which will be broadcast live at 9 pm ET Tuesday (7:30 am IST Wednesday), will be presented to a joint session of Congress. This event occurs just over a year into his second term and just a few months before the midterm elections that could shift power in Congress. The US President is anticipated to describe his first year back as one of economic recovery, stronger border control, and a more assertive role for the US as a leading nation. However, some Americans are still feeling financial strain and are unsettled by divisive policies. This address will be Trump's main effort to connect with those differing views.
The State of the Union is the US President's required update to Congress about the nation's status and future goals. Over the years, it has become one of the major political events in Washington — a mix of policy guidance, political messaging, and a significant televised event. Members of both the Democratic and Republican Parties, alongside Supreme Court justices, military leaders, and invited guests, will fill the House chamber. Vice-President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson will sit behind Trump during his speech. A response from the Democratic side will follow after his address. Some lawmakers in opposition plan to skip the speech and join an alternative gathering called the "People’s State of the Union" nearby. Trump is likely to repeat that the US economy is improving, highlighting job creation, increases in domestic manufacturing, and gains in the stock market. He has stated that inflation is under control and that his policies have strengthened the economy.
Nevertheless, public opinion is mixed. Reports indicate that growth slowed down towards the end of the previous year, and many households are still feeling financial pressure. Economists point out that key indicators like market trends or unemployment rates often do not show the daily financial struggles people face. Immigration enforcement, which has been a contentious issue since Trump began his second term, is expected to be a major topic. The President claimed that illegal border crossings have decreased significantly during his administration, but aggressive deportation actions by ICE have stirred controversy, especially after incidents in Minnesota. Trade policy is also anticipated to be a significant topic after a recent Supreme Court decision overturned certain aspects of Trump’s global tariff strategy. The President has criticized this ruling and implemented new 15 percent tariffs. He has also suggested that he will look for other legal routes to impose tariffs to safeguard American interests.
Trump is expected to highlight military and diplomatic actions outside the country, which may include possible attacks on targets connected to Iran, increasing pressure on Venezuela, and trying to arrange ceasefires in various global conflicts. Recently, two US aircraft carriers have been sent to the Middle East due to growing tensions with Tehran. New surveys reveal that Donald Trump’s approval ratings have decreased before his State of the Union speech, with findings indicating his approval is in the upper 30s and disapproval close to 60 percent. An Ipsos survey shows that 60 percent of people in America do not approve of his job performance, while only around 39 percent do, particularly noting low ratings regarding inflation, tariffs, and immigration. His backing has notably dipped among younger voters. The speech on Wednesday will also serve as an early campaign message as the midterm elections in November approach. Although Trump’s name will not be on the ballot, the election results will influence how effectively he can lead for the remainder of his term.
