Trump Hails Economic Turnaround and Threatens Iran in Longest State of the Union Address

Published: 25 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

US President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in American history on 24 February 2026, using the extended primetime platform before both houses of Congress to praise his administration’s economic record and issue a stark warning to Iran over its nuclear ambitions and regional behaviour. Trump’s marathon speech, which ran for 1 hour and 48 minutes, was framed as both a policy overview and a campaign-style appeal as Republicans seek to defend their slim majority in the upcoming midterm elections.

From the outset, Trump sought to portray the US economy as experiencing a dramatic revival under his leadership, calling it a “turnaround for the ages” and asserting that inflation was falling, incomes were rising, and markets were strong. Representatives of domestic industries and the US Olympic hockey team were introduced amid applause as Trump tied their successes to broader national strength. These claims, part of a broader effort to boost his approval ahead of midterms, contrasted with ongoing economic concerns about living costs and tariff impacts following a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down major elements of his tariff strategy.

Trump’s address also carried a strong foreign policy message. He reiterated a hardline stance toward Iran’s nuclear programme, declaring that the United States would “never allow” Tehran to develop nuclear weapons and characterising the Islamic Republic as a major threat. He suggested that Iranian missile capabilities could soon reach US territory and framed potential military action as a last resort should diplomatic negotiations fail. These remarks struck a combative tone at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.

The president underscored his “America First” priorities throughout the speech, emphasising energy independence, border security and aggressive trade policies, even as critics noted contradictions between Trump’s narrative and certain economic data. Leaders from the Democratic Party vocally challenged parts of his address, with some lawmakers protesting during the speech and others staging partial walkouts or remaining seated.

The historic address, marked by both record length and deep partisan divisions, served as a defining moment in Trump’s second term, blending policy promotion with election-year rhetoric and reaffirming his leadership style as he positions his party for the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.

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