State of the Union address 2026 recap: President Donald Trump lauds ‘golden age’ in wide-ranging speech
US President Donald Trump is set to deliver a mammoth State of the Union address at the US Capitol, where he is expected to discuss a host of hot topics, including immigration and tariffs.
The Supreme Court ruled against many of Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs on Friday and Tuesday’s address will give him the chance to directly challenge the justices responsible for the decision.
He is also expected to speak at length about the domestic economy, particularly in light of the fact that only 39 per cent of US adults approve of his economic leadership.
“Watch the State of the Union. We’re going to be talking about the economy. We inherited a mess,” Trump said on Wednesday.
Greenland, the public outcry over the killings of US citizens by Federal agents and Trump’s intensifying threats about launching military strikes on Iran are also likely to be on the agenda of his wide-ranging address.
Tuesday’s address is due to start at 10am WA time. Follow our live updates below.
Key Events
‘God bless America’
Trump has closed his address, once again declaring the US is in its “golden age”.
“The golden age of America is upon us,” he said.
“The revolution that began in 1776 has not ended. It still continues. Because the flame of liberty and independence still burns in the heart of every American patriot.
“And our future will be bigger, better, brighter, bolder, and more glorious than ever before. Thank you. God bless you. And God bless America.”
Record breaking address
Trump has officially set the record for the longest SOTU address, speaking for over an hour and a half - and counting!
Trump warns Iran has “sinister ambitions”
Trump has warned Iran has “sinister ambitions” and declared the country “the world’s number one sponsor of terror”.
“They’ve already missiles at Europe and our bases overseas and they’re working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States of America,” he said.
The President said he was still seeking assurance Iran will stand down from aquiring nuclear weapons.
“We are in negotiations with them but we haven’t heard those secret words: ‘we will never have a nuclear weapon’.
“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain - I will never allow the word’s number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, have a nuclear weapon.”
It comes as the US military moves into position in anticipation of a strike against Iran.
Earlier this week, Trump said he was “considering” a limited strike to pressure Iran into a deal on its nuclear program.
‘We’re working hard’: Trump on Ukraine war
Trump has promised to strive for peace amid the war between Russia and the Ukraine.
“We’re working very hard to end the ninth war between Russia and Ukraine where 25,000 soldiers killed every month. Think of that, 25,000 soldiers are dying a month,” he said.
“A war which would have never happened if I were President.
“As President, I will make peace wherever I can, but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must. “
Al Green booted from the chamber - again
Democrat Al Green has been kicked out of the House Chamber for the second year in a row.
He was seen holding a placcard showing the words: “Black People Aren’t Apes!” before he was led out of the room.
The sign appears to be in response to social media footage the president shared that showed the Obama’s faces on the bodies of apes.
Trump honours Charlie Kirk
The President has paid tribute Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September and honoured his widow Erika, who is in attendance.
He said Charlie’s death had helped fuel a “tremendous renerwal” in Christianity in the US.
“Charlie was violently murdered by an assassin, and martyred for his beliefs,” Trump said.
“Thank you, Erika. You’ve been through a lot. In Charlie’s memory, we must all come together to reaffirm that America is one nation under God, and we reject political violence of any kind.”
Erika was seen with tears in her eyes as she stood to applause.
Trump repeats claims Democrats rig elections
Trump has reiterated his claims of election rigging, implying the Democrats relied on “unpermitted persons” for their votes.
“The cheating is rampant in our elections. It’s rampant,” Trump said.
“It’s simple - all voters must show voter ID. All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote.
“And no more crooked mail, except for illness, disability, military or travel. None.”
Trump shouts over hecklers while declaring war on ‘illegal aliens’
Things are getting heated with Trump receiving vocal opposition from furious Democrats amid his words on immigration.
“We are deporting illegal aliens from our country at record numbers,” he said.
”And we’re getting them the hell out of here fast. We don’t want them.”
Trump was forced to shout over hecklers as he declared Democrats were responsible for a “border invasion”.
“We can never forget that many in this room not only allowed the border invasion to happen before I got involved, but indeed, they would do it all over again, if they ever had to chance, if they every got elected, they would open up the borders to some of the worst criminals anywhere in the world,” Trump said.
Zzzz
It’s been a long day for some, with one member of Congress caught taking a nap during the President’s address.
‘Cheapest drugs in the world’
Trump has promised cheaper healthcare and “maximum price transparency” for US citizens.
“I want to stop big payments to the insurance companies and, instead, give the money to the people so they can buy their own healthcare,” he said,
“It will be better healthcare at a much lower cost.”
He’s also promised Americans will receive the cheapest prescription drugs in the world.
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