Trump Addresses Nation, Promises Resolution to Ukraine War, Focuses on Domestic Gains
WASHINGTON (AP) – In a lengthy State of the Union address Tuesday, President Donald Trump largely focused on domestic economic achievements, only turning to foreign policy near the end of his speech. He asserted his administration is working to resolve the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, while also highlighting concerns over Iran’s missile development program.
Trump dedicated over an hour to defending his economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs, calling it a return to an “age of gold” for America. He described a transformed nation, stating, “After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have turned around and we are not going back where we were before. We’ve had an epic turnaround. Our country is back and it’s not going back.”
Facing four justices from the Supreme Court – including those who previously ruled against his tariff policies – Trump labeled the decision “an unfortunate one,” and insisted his administration would pursue more complex tariffs without Congressional approval. He even suggested tariffs paid by foreign countries could eventually replace the income tax system.
The President touted economic successes, including tax cuts, and launched attacks against Democrats regarding immigration policies, specifically criticizing “sanctuary cities.” He claimed no illegal immigrants had entered the U.S. in the last year, a statement met with vocal objections from Democratic lawmakers Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who accused him of dishonesty.
It wasn’t until approximately halfway through the address that Trump first mentioned Ukraine. He claimed to have “solved eight wars” and stated he is working to resolve the ninth – the conflict in Ukraine – praising his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their efforts.
Turning to Iran, Trump reiterated his commitment to preventing the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. “I prefer to solve the issue with diplomacy, but one thing is certain: I will never allow Iran to have the nuclear weapon,” he stated, warning that Tehran has already developed missiles capable of reaching Europe and the United States. He also briefly mentioned Venezuela, describing it as a “friend and partner” following the departure of Maduro.
The address came as Republicans express increasing nervousness ahead of upcoming midterm elections. Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger responded to Trump’s speech, urging Americans not to believe the President and confidently predicting a Democratic victory in November.
The speech, the longest State of the Union address in history, underscored Trump’s focus on domestic issues while briefly addressing international concerns. The ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, remains a key challenge for the international community, as highlighted by recent reports. [1] Recent developments also include a lifting of an arms embargo, leading to increased weapons exports. [2] The European Union ambassador to the U.S. recently addressed the state of the Ukraine war and the impact of Trump’s tariffs. [3]
Source: ANSA
