Trump’s State of the Union address: “Golden Age” for America, diplomatic breakthroughs

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term, declaring that the United States has entered a “golden age” marked by economic resurgence, border security, and renewed global influence.

The president also outlined his administration’s domestic achievements and foreign policy priorities, while making sweeping claims about averting international conflicts and strengthening America’s standing worldwide.

ECONOMY AND DOMESTIC POLICY

President Trump said the US economy has rebounded strongly over the past year, describing what he called a “great transformation” since the start of his second term. He asserted that trillions of dollars in investments have flowed into the country, claiming $18 trillion was invested during his first year back in office – a sharp contrast, he said, to $1 trillion invested during former President Joe Biden’s four-year term.

Trump stated that oil and gas production has reached record highs and that energy prices have fallen significantly. He credited his tariff policies for boosting federal revenues, though he criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling related to tariffs as “very unfortunate.”

On immigration, the president said illegal border crossings have been effectively eliminated, adding that only those who enter the country legally would be welcomed. He also pledged to make every American city safer and announced plans to redirect certain payments from major insurance companies directly to citizens.

Trump further revealed that the United States has received 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, describing it as part of efforts to stabilize energy markets and strengthen domestic reserves.

FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GLOBAL DIPLOMACY

On the international front, President Trump shed light on what he described as a peace-driven foreign policy. “I only want peace,” he declared, adding that his administration is focused on reducing global conflicts and promoting stability.

IRAN

Trump claimed that he had “stopped eight wars” and credited his diplomatic approach with preventing major escalations in various regions. He specifically pointed to efforts in the Middle East, saying the war in Gaza has reached a “very low point” and would end soon. He reiterated that the United States seeks peace and stability across the region.

The president also said that his administration is attempting to negotiate a deal with Iran, stressing that resolving the Iran issue through diplomacy remains a top priority. At the same time, he asserted that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been eliminated, without providing detailed evidence during the address.

Trump praised senior advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for representing American interests effectively in diplomatic engagements.

PAKISTAN AND INDIA

In a notable portion of his speech, President Trump claimed that his administration prevented a potential war between Pakistan and India. He asserted that tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors were escalating toward a possible nuclear confrontation.

“There was going to be a nuclear war between Pakistan and India,” Trump said, adding that US intervention played a key role in defusing the situation. He did not elaborate on the specific diplomatic steps taken but described the development as one of the major successes of his presidency.

The president’s remarks are likely to draw international attention given the historical volatility of relations between Islamabad and New Delhi.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

Turning to Eastern Europe, Trump reiterated his longstanding claim that the war between Russia and Ukraine would not have occurred had he remained in office instead of President Biden. “It should never have started,” he said.

He added that his administration is working to help end the conflict and expressed confidence that progress could be made through negotiation and strong leadership.

NATIONAL PRIDE AND RECOGNITION

The address also included a ceremonial moment honoring members of a Winter Olympics gold medal-winning US ice hockey team, who were present at the Capitol. President Trump praised their achievement and announced they would receive the nation’s highest civilian award.

Concluding his speech, Trump said America is “succeeding on every front” and promised continued growth and global leadership. “Our achievements will only increase,” he said, reinforcing his central message that the United States has emerged stronger and more prosperous under his leadership.