Trump touts economic record in State of the Union, seeks reset ahead of midterms
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Donald Trump used the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday to champion his economic record, declaring he had ushered in a new “golden age” for America.
Facing slipping approval ratings ahead of November’s midterm elections, Trump focused heavily on the economy, claiming he had curbed inflation, boosted stock markets to record levels, enacted sweeping tax cuts and lowered drug prices. “Our nation is back – bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before,” he told Republican lawmakers, as many Democrats boycotted the speech.
The address comes at a sensitive time for the president, with rising concerns over Iran and persistent frustration among voters about the cost of living. While Trump insisted inflation is “plummeting”, recent data show economic growth slowed last quarter even as inflation picked up. Prices for essentials such as housing, groceries and utilities remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 36% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, setting the stage for a competitive midterm contest in which Democrats aim to regain control of Congress.
