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, 3:31 AM GMT
Trump says Dems should be 'ashamed'
President Trump got an extended applause from the chamber after calling on members of Congress to "stand up and show your support" and affirm that they believe that the "first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens."
Trump looked around the chamber while waiting for the applause to end, at times shaking his head and gesturing toward the Democrats who did not stand or clap.
"Isn't that a shame. You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up," he said.
Feb 25, 2026, 3:23 AM GMT
Trump promises plan with tech companies to lower electricity costs
Trump announced that he negotiated the "rate payer protection pledge" with major tech companies, addressing the issue of rising power costs associated with data centers.
Trump said the companies will have the obligation to pay for their own power needs.
"They can build their own power plants as part of their factory," Trump said.
The president did not give more details about the negotiations, including which tech companies have been part of the discussion.
Feb 25, 2026, 3:29 AM GMT
Trump's calls for insider trading ban for members of Congress
President Trump urged the Stop Insider Trading Act to pass "without delay" to ensure that members of Congress do not "corruptly profit from using insider information."
His calls for legislation that would ban lawmakers from stock trading based on insider information received bipartisan cheers, followed by some laughing and partisan tension.
As some Democrats stood up and applauded, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Trump responded, "They stood up for that? I can't believe it."
"How about you first!" Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, yelled after the president expressed surprise that the Democrats joined in the standing ovation.
"You're the most corrupt president!" Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, also yelled.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and other Democratic members, react as President Donald Trump gives his State of the Union address at the Capitol in Washington on Feb. 24, 2026.
"They stood up for that," Trump remarked. "Did Nancy Pelosi stand up, if she is here? Doubt it," the president quipped, drawing a collective "Woah!" from the Republican side of the aisle.
Former House Speaker Pelosi has faced allegations of trading on insider information during her time in Congress, but has denied any impropriety.
ABC News and The Associated Press contributed to this report
Feb 25, 2026, 3:10 AM GMT
Trump talks plan for healthcare -- a key 2026 issue
President Trump is using his speech to talk about health care, which is considered a key issue heading into November's elections.
Trump reiterated his desire to pay Americans directly to buy health insurance. He also called on Republicans, specifically House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to codify his "most favored nation" policies -- which aim to ensure the U.S. isn't paying more than other countries for prescription drugs.
