Trump Touts 'Turnaround for the Ages' in State of the Union Speech

President attacks Democrats, pitches Republican agenda ahead of midterm elections

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to lambaste Democrats and the Biden administration, while touting the Republican Party's agenda ahead of this year's crucial midterm elections. Trump claimed the U.S. has undergone a "turnaround for the ages" during his presidency and accused Democrats of wanting to "cheat" in elections.

Why it matters

Trump's combative speech highlighted the deep partisan divisions in Washington, with Democrats boycotting the event or staging protests. The speech comes as the Republican Party seeks to regain control of Congress in the 2024 midterm elections, making Trump's rhetoric and policy pitches significant for the upcoming political battles.

The details

Trump's nearly two-hour speech included numerous attacks on Democrats, accusing them of pursuing policies that have led to high prices and claiming they want to "cheat" in elections. He called on Congress to pass legislation requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Trump also demanded the restoration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which has been shut down due to a dispute over immigration enforcement. Several Democrats, including Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, vocally opposed Trump's remarks on immigration.

  • Trump delivered the State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown began on February 14, 2026 when stopgap funding expired.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who used the State of the Union address to attack Democrats and pitch the Republican agenda ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic Representative from Minnesota who repeatedly called out Trump's remarks on immigration enforcement during the speech.

Rashida Tlaib

A Democratic Representative from Michigan who yelled at Trump to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation during the speech.

Chris Murphy

A Democratic Senator from Connecticut and ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, who boycotted the speech.

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia, who delivered the official Democratic response to Trump's State of the Union address.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Their policies created the high prices. Our policies are rapidly ending them.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (indianacapitalchronicle.com)

“Congress should unite and enact this common sense, country-saving legislation right now. And it should be before anything else happens.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (indianacapitalchronicle.com)

“The American people already know what the state of our union is. It is marked by frustration, rising costs, and deep exhaustion. Families are stretched thin by higher prices. Communities are disturbed by fatal immigration enforcement tactics. And working people are watching the wealthiest Americans benefit while the middle class is left behind.”

— André Carson, U.S. Representative from Indiana (indianacapitalchronicle.com)

“Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad? Is the president working for you? We all know the answer is no.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia (indianacapitalchronicle.com)

“This country has always been shaped by people who were told they did not belong, but who persevered and kept moving forward.”

— Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator from California (indianacapitalchronicle.com)

What’s next

The SAVE Act that Trump called for in his speech is unlikely to pass the Senate due to a lack of Democratic support. The Department of Homeland Security shutdown will also need to be resolved through negotiations between the White House and Congress.

The takeaway

Trump's combative State of the Union address highlighted the deep partisan divisions in Washington and the Republican Party's strategy of attacking Democrats and their policies ahead of the 2024 midterm elections. While Trump touted economic gains, Democrats criticized his administration's policies on issues like immigration and affordability.