Arabic version: ترامب يلقي خطاب حالة الاتحاد الطويل الذي يبرز الإنجازات
According to BBC News,
President Donald Trump has provided his annual update on America as part of his annual State of the Union address. In what became the longest-ever address of its kind, Trump offered victorious – and sometimes combative – remarks, praising the work of fellow Republicans and outlining his future agenda, all while addressing a sharply divided Congress and a nationwide audience. The speech came at a particularly pivotal time for the president, with tensions flaring in Iran, his global tariffs being thrown out by the nation’s highest court and continued worries over affordability in the US – an issue that could help him lose full control of the US Congress in midterm elections later this year.
During the address, Trump interacted with members of the Supreme Court, who were notably less than full attendance. Only four justices were present: Chief Justice John Roberts and justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, and Brett Kavanaugh. Trump acknowledged the court’s recent ruling against his tariffs policy, referring to the decision as “disappointing” and announcing plans to implement a new 15% tariff through a proclamation under Section 122, which gives the power to put in place tariffs up to 15% for 150 days, at which point Congress must step in.
The address also saw protests from the opposing Democratic party, with many members choosing to boycott the event. Congressman Al Greene was escorted out for the second consecutive year after displaying a sign protesting Trump’s past remarks. Other Democrats, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, vocally opposed the president’s statements during the speech.
Adding to the spectacle, the U.S. men’s hockey team, fresh off a gold medal victory against Canada, made a dramatic entrance into the chamber, receiving applause from the audience. Trump recognized their achievement and announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor. Throughout the address, Trump emphasized themes of patriotism and national pride, contrasting the reactions of Republicans and Democrats in attendance as he highlighted his administration’s policies.
