The White House has unveiled excerpts from President Donald Trump's forthcoming State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday at 9:00 pm before a joint session of Congress. This speech marks his first formal State of the Union of his second term, where he plans to champion what he calls "a turnaround for the ages" while launching sharp criticisms at Democratic opponents and highlighting alleged issues in Minnesota.
Economic Boasts and Political Barbs
Ahead of the address, Trump hinted at its content during a White House ceremony honouring "Angel families," promising a lengthy discourse to celebrate "the greatest economy we've ever had." The released excerpts reveal a speech brimming with self-praise and partisan attacks. Trump asserts, "Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago."
He frames his administration's efforts as a continuation of American historical struggles, stating, "From 1776 to today, every generation of Americans has stepped forward to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the next. Now, it is our turn." Trump pledges to build a nation where "government answers to the people, not the powerful" and prioritises "hardworking American Citizens."
Policy Highlights and Accusations
The speech touches on several key policy areas, with Trump claiming credit for reducing prescription drug costs, a feat he says previous presidents failed to achieve. "I am also ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs. Other presidents tried to do it, but they never could. They were all talk and no action. I got it done," he declares.
On housing, Trump references an Executive Order signed last month to ban large Wall Street investment firms from bulk-buying single-family homes, urging Congress to make this ban permanent because "homes are for people, not corporations."
However, the tone turns accusatory when discussing Minnesota, where Trump alleges corruption involving the Somali community. "But when it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota—where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion dollars from the American taxpayer," the excerpts state.
Security and Funding Disputes
Trump also targets Democrats over homeland security funding, claiming they have cut off all resources for the Department of Homeland Security. "As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers. Tonight, I am demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States," he says.
He emphasises community safety, criticising "pro-crime politicians" for releasing "dangerous repeat offenders." On foreign policy, Trump vows to "make peace wherever I can" but not hesitate to confront threats, citing efforts to secure American interests in the Western Hemisphere against drug cartels and other dangers.
Concluding on a patriotic note, Trump invokes the American Revolution, asserting, "The Revolution that began in 1776 has not ended—it still continues, because the flame of Liberty and Independence still burns in the hearts of every American Patriot."
