State of the Union updates: Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration
ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:16AM GMT
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.
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.
Feb 25, 2026, 2:34 AM GMT
Rep. Al Green is escorted from the chamber as Republicans chant 'USA'
The House Sergeant at Arms approached and escorted Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who stood as Trump began speaking with a sign reading "Black People Aren't Apes!" from the chamber barely two minutes into the address.
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, is escorted out President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Two Trump allies, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, had approached the area where Green was sitting before Capitol Police escorted him out.
Before Green exited, some Republicans began chanted "USA."
Feb 25, 2026, 2:31 AM GMT
Trump touts his economy, but polls show most Americans disapprove
President Trump, early on in his speech, sought to highlight what his administration sees as economic wins: lower gas prices and a booming stock market.
"The roaring economy is roaring like never before," Trump said.
But most Americans disapprove of how he's handling the economy (57%) and inflation (65%), according to a recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
Trump said the U.S. has "the strongest and most secure border in American history," though noted that those who come in legally and "will love our country" are always welcome.
Feb 25, 2026, 2:19 AM GMT
Trump now speaking: 'Our nation is back'
President Trump started off his address saying, "Our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before."
"After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. It is indeed a turnaround for the ages," Trump said.
President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2026.
