In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 11:57 PM EST

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.

For Trump, the 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. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Feb 24, 2026, 11:04 PM EST

Trump spotlights Maduro military operation

President Trump called the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month a "colossal victory for the security of the United States" while extensively spotlighting the military operation during his address.

Trump said the U.S. is working closely with the new president, Delcy Rodriguez, to "bring new hope to those who have suffered so terribly."

He then brought out a man freed from a Venezuelan prison, whose niece was also in the chamber.

Feb 24, 2026, 10:56 PM EST

Democrat holds up photos of Renee Good, Alex Pretti

Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California was seen holding photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the two Minneapolis residents who were shot by federal law enforcement in separate incidents during last month's immigration enforcement in the state.

PHOTO: President Trump Delivers The State Of The Union Address
Rep. Norma Torres holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Renee Good who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
PHOTO: Rep. Norma Torres holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Alex Pretti during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Norma Torres holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Alex Pretti who was killed during an immigration enforcement operation during U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Trump has not brought up the shootings, which are both under investigation and not yielded any charges, during the speech as of 10:47 p.m.

Feb 24, 2026, 10:52 PM EST

Trump honors National Guard members with the Purple Heart

Trump awarded two Purple Heart medals to members of the National Guard who were attacked in Washington, D.C., in November.

In awarding the medals to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and to the family of late Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed in the attack, Trump praised their bravery.

PHOTO: Evalea and Gary Beckstrom receive a Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2026.
Evalea and Gary Beckstrom, the mother and father of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, receive a Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2026.
Alex Brandon/AP
PHOTO: National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe receives a Purple Heart as he is recognized by President Donald Trump as he delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24, 2026.
National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (C, in hat), who survived a November 2025 shooting attack in Washington, DC, receives a Purple Heart as he is recognized by President Donald Trump as he delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24, 2026.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

“After a four-month deployment, she voluntarily extended her service, and her rank was going to be lifted. She was doing so well. They were so proud of her,” Trump said of Beckstrom.

Feb 24, 2026, 10:44 PM EST

Trump issues warning to Iran on nuclear weapons

Trump delivered a message to Iran as tensions continue to build in the region.

"They were warned to make no future attempts to rebuild their weapons program, in particular nuclear weapons, yet they continue, starting it all over," Trump said. "We wiped it out, and they want to start all over again, and are, at this moment, again pursuing their sinister ambitions."

"We are in negotiations with them. They want to make a deal, but we haven't heard those secret words, 'We will never have a nuclear weapon.'"

"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world's number one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon," he continued.

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