Tuesday, February 24, marked President Trump’s first State of the Union address in his second term. The address was the longest State of the Union address, at 1 hour and 48 minutes. Trump awarded several service members and brought in the gold-winning U.S. Men’s Hockey Team. Both the service members and the hockey team received a bipartisan standing ovation. Overall, Democrats remained silent for the majority of the address. This is in strong contrast to Republicans, who frequently gave applause.
Trump spoke of several priorities during his first year, including immigration, the economy, affordability, and the One Big Beautiful Bill. Trump also encouraged members of Congress to approve the SAVE America Act and the Stop Insider Trading Act. Throughout Trump’s address, several claims were made; all varying in factual correctness.
Regarding immigration, Trump exclaimed, “Today our border is secure … millions of illegal aliens poured across our border unfettered and unchecked, we now have the strongest and most secure border in American history.”
The U.S. has seen the lowest U.S.-Mexico border crossings in more than 50 years. In 2022, border patrol encountered 2,206,436 migrants. In 2025, that number is down to 237,538 according to the Pew Research Center.
At the start of his term, Trump sent the military to assist border patrol, and there has been a sharp increase in deportations and overall ICE activity. Many migrants fear being caught due to the increased ICE activity, and don’t attempt to cross at all.
Policy changes regarding immigration haven’t gone without criticism. Many Americans protest against ICE, and nearly two-thirds of Americans disapprove of ICE, according to PBS. This is especially after the shootings of both Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
The economy was another key talking point. President Trump significantly restructured existing tariff policy through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA). He also credited tariffs for economic and stock market growth. The DOW and S&P hit 50,000 and 7,000 points, respectively. This indicates economic growth and overall confidence in the market. The DOW and S&P are considered massive milestones by the Trump team. Days earlier, the Supreme Court ruled the tariffs illegal.
Trump mentioned he would reinstate the tariffs through other laws, “Despite the disappointing ruling … [the tariffs] will remain in place under fully approved and tested alternative legal statutes. Congressional action will not be necessary. As time goes by, the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will substantially replace income tax.”
Tariffs are taxes on imported products. Companies pay the tariffs to the American government. The company either absorbs the tariff, which lowers their profit; or passes the tariff onto the consumer in order to keep the profit the same or similar.
President Trump made many points on affordability and the job market. Trump claimed 70,000 construction jobs were added. After the operation in Venezuela, Trump stated that American oil companies would be taking control. Theoretically, increasing supply and lowering gas prices for Americans, as well as increasing revenue for the federal government by selling it. According to Trump, American oil production is up by more than 600,000 barrels a day, and has received more than 80 million barrels of oil.
According to Argus, the number of barrels produced per day is closer to 300,000 barrels a day, and it has received 17 million barrels after the operation in Venezuela.
In addition to Venezuela, Trump mentioned lifting 2.4 million Americans off of food stamps, signaling a strong and growing economy.
Trump stated, “We cut a record number of job-killing regulations, and in one year we have lifted 2.4 million Americans – a record – off of food stamps. I say tonight, members of Congress, the state of our Union is strong. Our country is winning again.”
It’s worth highlighting that many Americans are no longer on food stamps due to changes in eligibility through the One Big Beautiful Bill, not necessarily that they no longer need food stamps. New work requirements were added, and the exemptions for veterans and people experiencing homelessness were removed.
Regarding food and gas prices, Trump said, “The price of eggs is down 60%. The cost of chicken, butter, fruit, hotels, automobiles, and rent is lower. Even beef is starting to come down significantly … Gasoline is now below $2.30 a gallon in most states, and in some places, $1.99 a gallon.”
No state currently has an average below $2.30 a gallon, although individual some stations can be lower; according to the American Automobile Association.
It’s important to mention that a few states, such as Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, have averages below $2.50 a gallon as of February 24.
As we move forward into 2026, Trump encouraged members of Congress to approve the SAVE America Act and the Stop Insider Trading Act. “I’m asking you to approve the SAVE America Act, to stop illegal aliens and others from voting in our elections … Congress should unite and enact this legislation right now.” Trump continued, “ Pass the Stop Insider Trading Act without delay. Let’s ensure that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit from using insider information.”
The SAVE America Act aims to end voter fraud and ensure only American citizens are voting. According to the White House, it would rely on three key changes. Requiring a valid ID to register to vote in a federal election, Proof of Citizenship, and restricting Mail-in ballots to only those who are sick, disabled, military, or traveling. As of writing, the SAVE America Act has passed the House, but not the Senate.
The SAVE America Act has received criticism for potentially restricting millions of Americans from voting, particularly minorities. This comes from data collected by University of Maryland and Playing with Election Data indicating that 9% of eligible voters lack easy access to documentary proof of citizenship, 52% of registered voters don’t have a passport under their current legal name, and 11% do not have access to their birth certificate. In addition, there are many people who don’t have a birth certificate that matches their last name.
The Stop Insider Trading focuses on ending insider trading by politicians. The White House states, “For decades, corrupt politicians have made fortunes using insider information to their financial advantage. President Trump wants to put an end to this scam.”
According to the Campaign Legal Center, only 5% of members of the Senate and the House did not own any stock. Many Americans are concerned that Congresspeople have much more information about companies than the general public through investigatory committees, political pressure, and therefore can make trading decisions based on information unknown to the public. According to the School of Public Policy, 86% of Americans approve of some type of trading restriction on Congresspeople. 87% of Americans also approve of prohibiting the President, Vice President, and Supreme Court Justices from trading individual stocks.
President Trump presented a bold showcase for the first year of his second term. Despite several criticisms, Trump highlighted the goals completed in his first year back and the administration seeks to complete even more of its goals before the 2026 midterm elections.
President Trump ended the State of the Union Address with, “The Revolution that began in 1776 has not ended. The flame of liberty and independence still burns in the heart of every American. Thank you. God bless you and God bless America.”
