State of the Union updates: Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso ABCNews logo
Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:16AM GMT
Trump spars with Dems, touts economy in State of the Union

President Donald Trump declared during Tuesday's marathon State of the Union that "we're winning so much," saying he'd sparked a jobs and manufacturing boom at home while imposing a new world order abroad - hoping that offering a long list of his accomplishments can counter approval ratings that have been falling.

For the president, the high-profile speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
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Feb 25, 2026, 3:37 AM

Fact check of President Trump's State of the Union address

Just over a year into his second term, President Donald Trump is delivering the State of the Union address, making his case for sweeping policy changes and executive actions that have come to define America's current moment.

ABC News is live fact-checking some of the president's statements that may be exaggerated, need more context or are false.

Go here for a look at the full fact check from ABC News.

President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
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Feb 25, 2026, 2:14 AM GMT

Trump enters House chamber

President Trump entered the House chamber just after 9 p.m. to boisterous applause. He is shaking hands with lawmakers as he makes his way to the dais. This is Trump's first State of the Union address of his second term.

President Donald Trump is greeted as he walks into the House Chamber to give his State of the Union at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
President Donald Trump is greeted as he walks into the House Chamber to give his State of the Union at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
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Feb 25, 2026, 2:06 AM GMT

Melania Trump joins Trump family members in chamber

First lady Melania Trump was greeted with applause as she entered the chamber. She is seated with members of the Trump family, including Barron and Ivanka Trump.

First Lady Melania Trump stands and waves as she arrives for the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
First Lady Melania Trump stands and waves as she arrives for the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
Feb 25, 2026, 1:58 AM GMT

Trump expected to pledge 'peace wherever I can' as showdown with Iran looms

Trump is expected to tout himself as a peacemaker in his speech, according to excerpts released by the White House.

"As president, I will make peace wherever I can -- but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must," Trump will say.

Iran looms large over Trump's address tonight. U.S. military assets have been surging to the Middle East for weeks, as Trump seeks to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran.

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Feb 25, 2026, 2:00 AM GMT

Supreme Court justices enter the chamber to applause

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett entered the chamber with an applause from the attendees.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan arrive for the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24, 2026.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan arrive for the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24, 2026.