Trump to deliver State of the Union address in deeply polarized country
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- The upcoming Trump address marks a shift from 2020, with Republican Speaker Mike Johnson replacing Nancy Pelosi, signaling likely reduced theatrical Democratic opposition despite ongoing deep polarization on issues like immigration, economy, and foreign policy.
- Economic growth slowed to 1.4% in late 2025, partly due to a prolonged government shutdown; while job growth and consumer spending remain strong, voter dissatisfaction persists over affordability and inflation concerns, contrasting with Trump's optimistic campaign promises.
- A recent Supreme Court ruling invalidated Trump’s broad tariff authority, undermining his protectionist trade strategy, though he responded with new tariffs under different legal grounds; public opinion largely opposes tariffs due to their inflationary impact.
- Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement, highlighted by federal operations in Minneapolis
