WASHINGTON — In his 2026 State of the Union address to a joint session of the United States Congress, President Donald Trump delivered a bold and triumphant message about America’s national resurgence, proclaiming that the nation had undergone a dramatic turnaround under his leadership.
Trump opened his speech with a striking claim that, when he returned to the White House a year ago after winning the presidency, the United States was like a “dead country” — mired in economic stagnation, high inflation and weak global influence. “A short time ago we were a dead country. Now we are the hottest country anywhere in the world,” Trump told lawmakers, setting the tone for the rest of his address.
Framing the moment as a historic revival, the president declared that the U.S. is now experiencing what he called the “golden age of America.” He highlighted reduced inflation rates, lower gasoline prices, a buoyant stock market, and strong job growth as evidence of the nation’s economic strength. Trump also took credit for significant foreign investment commitments and increased energy production, while asserting that the country’s global standing has been restored.
The White House chief executive emphasized national security achievements, citing stronger border controls and a dramatic reduction in illegal crossings, as well as a notable decline in fentanyl seizures. On the world stage, Trump repeated his administration’s hardline positions on foreign adversaries and reiterated his commitment to maintaining American strength and leadership abroad.
Trump’s address lasted nearly two hours, making it one of the longest in modern history, and included a mix of policy initiatives and campaign-like rhetoric aimed at shaping the narrative heading into the 2026 midterm elections. While Republican lawmakers responded with enthusiastic applause, Democrats offered criticism both from the floor and in subsequent commentary.
Analysts have noted that several of the president’s assertions — particularly around inflation and economic growth — are contested or beyond current data consensus, with independent observers highlighting discrepancies between Trump’s claims and measured economic indicators. Nonetheless, the address underscored the administration’s priorities, blending selective statistics with assertive messaging about national strength and revival.
President Trump concluded on a high note, urging lawmakers to build on what he described as an unparalleled period of American achievement and reaffirming his pledge to maintain what he termed the “hottest nation in the world.”
