Trump's State of the Union Address: A Night of High Stakes and Political Drama
President Donald Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union speech from the US Capitol building tonight at 9pm ET, marking a pivotal moment in his presidency. In a preview of his highly-anticipated address, Trump engaged in a traditional, off-the-record lunch with network news anchors today, where he dropped hints about his key messages and international tensions.
Iran's 'Magic Words' and Nuclear Standoff
During the lunch, Trump revealed critical insights into the ongoing standoff with Iran. ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl reported that Trump stated, 'Iran wants a deal more than I do, but they just can't say the magic words, which he said was that they won't build a bomb.' This comment underscores the escalating tensions as Iran edges toward a boiling point, with the president implying that military action could be avoided if Tehran explicitly renounces nuclear weapons development.
CNN's Jake Tapper echoed this sentiment, noting that amid a massive US military buildup, Trump believes Tehran is more eager for a deal but unwilling to utter the 'sacred phrase' against building nuclear arms. Tapper also highlighted other agenda items Trump plans to discuss, including advocating for tax cuts—both corporate and personal—and announcing deals with AI and tech firms for data centers that consume significant electricity from local communities.
Economic Boasts and a Lengthy Speech
Trump has warned that his speech will be lengthy, boasting about the economy as the country enters its 250th year. On Monday, he declared, 'It's going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about.' He is expected to argue that the nation is 'strong, prosperous and respected,' with Tapper quoting Trump's on-record claim that 'the country is about to have the best three years economically in the nation's history, and it's already started.'
Democratic Sabotage Plot and Counter-Programming
Meanwhile, Democrats have unleashed a sabotage plot to disrupt Trump's speech. Dozens of lawmakers are planning to boycott the address, with counter-events such as parading Jeffrey Epstein victims on the National Mall and staging walk-outs. Two major counter-programming events are scheduled in Washington, DC, including the 'State of the Swamp' at the National Press Club, where activists are encouraged to wear swampy frog costumes to protest lobbyist influence.
In a symbolic protest, Democratic lawmakers are donning 'Release the Files' pins with Epstein's name redacted, demanding the Justice Department reveal names hidden in the Epstein sex trafficking files. This move highlights the ongoing political friction as Trump prepares to reset his agenda ahead of the high-stakes November midterms.
Other Key Developments
Additional stories are unfolding around the speech. Congressman Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, refuses to step down amid a scandal involving an alleged affair with an aide who died by suicide. Trump has invited Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated conservative figure Charlie Kirk, as a special guest to highlight faith and condemn political violence. The US men's hockey team visited the White House ahead of the address, though the women's team declined due to scheduling conflicts.
An Air Force 'Doomsday Plane' landed at Joint Base Andrews, serving as an emergency airborne command post. Prediction markets are buzzing, with over $4 million wagered on Trump's likely words, including '250' and 'trillion.' The Daily Mail has even created a State of the Union BINGO card for viewers to engage with the event.
As the eyes of America and much of the world fix on Trump tonight, the speech promises to be a historic moment filled with economic optimism, international tension, and political theatrics, setting the stage for the tumultuous months ahead.
