Trump declares “golden age” for America amid bold economic claims and rising concerns over upcoming midterm election challenges nationwide
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 26, 2026, 18:38 IST
Trump's economic 'golden age' meets Fed's brass tacks
During his State of the Union address, President Trump hailed what he called a “golden age of America,” highlighting economic points such as easing inflation pressures and record-breaking stock market levels. Framing these achievements as proof of Republican stewardship, the speech clearly sought to energize the party ahead of the midterm elections.
US President Donald Trump declared a "golden age of America" during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, aiming to project success despite declining approval ratings and voter frustration ahead of the midterm elections. He highlighted economic achievements, including slowed inflation, record stock market highs, tax cuts, and lowered drug prices, while also engaging in combative exchanges on immigration and showcasing guests.
Trump sought to portray a nation that is "back -- bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before." This declaration came amidst concerns from Republican lawmakers about retaining their congressional majority in the upcoming November elections. The speech, delivered to a Congress with noticeable empty seats on the Democratic side, occurred at a critical juncture for his presidency, with polls indicating a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with his performance.
The President focused the initial hour of his televised address on the economy, responding to calls from Republican lawmakers worried about potential losses in the midterm elections. He asserted that his administration had successfully slowed inflation, propelled the stock market to unprecedented heights, enacted significant tax cuts, and reduced the cost of prescription drugs.
However, the article notes that it remained uncertain whether Trump's optimistic economic outlook would alleviate public concerns about the rising cost of living. While Trump attempted to attribute high prices to his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, opinion polls suggest voters hold Trump accountable for not doing more to address the affordability crisis, despite his campaign's focus on the issue.
"Our nation is back -- bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before."
The annual address to Congress took place at a challenging time for Trump's presidency. Polls indicated that a majority of Americans had grown unfavorable towards his performance. Additionally, anxieties were escalating regarding Iran, and his signature tariff policy faced setbacks after the US Supreme Court invalidated most of his import taxes.
For a significant portion of the speech, Trump maintained an uncharacteristic level of discipline, largely adhering to his prepared remarks and avoiding his typical spontaneous digressions. This disciplined approach contrasted with his usual speaking style.
However, he displayed his more confrontational nature when discussing his immigration crackdown. During this segment, he engaged in shouted exchanges with several Democratic lawmakers present in the chamber.
The former reality television star infused the event with considerable spectacle. At one point, he boasted about the extent of "winning" the United States had experienced during his term.
He then introduced other "winners" to the audience: members of the US men's ice hockey team. These athletes entered the chamber wearing the gold medals they had recently won at the Winter Olympics.
Trump announced that the team's goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This was one of several medals presented to various guests with what the article describes as "typical Trumpian fanfare."
The President's speech, delivered by the 79-year-old Trump, lasted approximately one hour and 47 minutes. This duration surpassed the record he had set the previous year for the longest presidential address to Congress.
Despite Trump's claims that inflation was "plummeting," the article points out that prices for essential goods and services such as groceries, housing, insurance, and utilities remained considerably higher than they were a few years prior. Recent economic data released on Friday indicated that the economy had slowed more than anticipated in the last quarter, while inflation had accelerated.
A poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that only 36% of Americans approved of Trump's handling of the economy. Democrats are aiming to gain control of both chambers of Congress from the Republicans in the November midterm elections. These elections will feature all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat whose significant victory in the previous November elections served as an early warning sign for Republicans regarding the midterms, delivered her party's official response to Trump's address. She criticized Trump for neglecting struggling Americans.
"Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family?"
"We all know the answer is no."
Trump, who had personally attacked the Supreme Court following the Friday decision on tariffs, refrained from doing so on Tuesday. He extended handshakes to the four justices who were present as he entered the chamber.
He characterized the Supreme Court's ruling as "unfortunate" but maintained that it would ultimately have minimal impact on his trade policy. The President did not address the topic of artificial intelligence, a technology that is currently driving both the stock market and growing concerns among workers about its potential threat to job security.
Furthermore, Trump dedicated little time to foreign policy, despite having focused a substantial amount of his presidential energy on international issues during his term.
Trump sought to portray a nation that is "back -- bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before." This declaration came amidst concerns from Republican lawmakers about retaining their congressional majority in the upcoming November elections. The speech, delivered to a Congress with noticeable empty seats on the Democratic side, occurred at a critical juncture for his presidency, with polls indicating a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with his performance.
The President focused the initial hour of his televised address on the economy, responding to calls from Republican lawmakers worried about potential losses in the midterm elections. He asserted that his administration had successfully slowed inflation, propelled the stock market to unprecedented heights, enacted significant tax cuts, and reduced the cost of prescription drugs.
However, the article notes that it remained uncertain whether Trump's optimistic economic outlook would alleviate public concerns about the rising cost of living. While Trump attempted to attribute high prices to his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, opinion polls suggest voters hold Trump accountable for not doing more to address the affordability crisis, despite his campaign's focus on the issue.
"Our nation is back -- bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before."
The annual address to Congress took place at a challenging time for Trump's presidency. Polls indicated that a majority of Americans had grown unfavorable towards his performance. Additionally, anxieties were escalating regarding Iran, and his signature tariff policy faced setbacks after the US Supreme Court invalidated most of his import taxes.
For a significant portion of the speech, Trump maintained an uncharacteristic level of discipline, largely adhering to his prepared remarks and avoiding his typical spontaneous digressions. This disciplined approach contrasted with his usual speaking style.
However, he displayed his more confrontational nature when discussing his immigration crackdown. During this segment, he engaged in shouted exchanges with several Democratic lawmakers present in the chamber.
The former reality television star infused the event with considerable spectacle. At one point, he boasted about the extent of "winning" the United States had experienced during his term.
He then introduced other "winners" to the audience: members of the US men's ice hockey team. These athletes entered the chamber wearing the gold medals they had recently won at the Winter Olympics.
Trump announced that the team's goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck, would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This was one of several medals presented to various guests with what the article describes as "typical Trumpian fanfare."
The President's speech, delivered by the 79-year-old Trump, lasted approximately one hour and 47 minutes. This duration surpassed the record he had set the previous year for the longest presidential address to Congress.
Despite Trump's claims that inflation was "plummeting," the article points out that prices for essential goods and services such as groceries, housing, insurance, and utilities remained considerably higher than they were a few years prior. Recent economic data released on Friday indicated that the economy had slowed more than anticipated in the last quarter, while inflation had accelerated.
A poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that only 36% of Americans approved of Trump's handling of the economy. Democrats are aiming to gain control of both chambers of Congress from the Republicans in the November midterm elections. These elections will feature all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat whose significant victory in the previous November elections served as an early warning sign for Republicans regarding the midterms, delivered her party's official response to Trump's address. She criticized Trump for neglecting struggling Americans.
"Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family?"
"We all know the answer is no."
Trump, who had personally attacked the Supreme Court following the Friday decision on tariffs, refrained from doing so on Tuesday. He extended handshakes to the four justices who were present as he entered the chamber.
He characterized the Supreme Court's ruling as "unfortunate" but maintained that it would ultimately have minimal impact on his trade policy. The President did not address the topic of artificial intelligence, a technology that is currently driving both the stock market and growing concerns among workers about its potential threat to job security.
Furthermore, Trump dedicated little time to foreign policy, despite having focused a substantial amount of his presidential energy on international issues during his term.