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.
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
Tech companies have not made deal yet with Trump over data centers
Trump earlier said he had worked out negotiations with unnamed tech companies where they would pay for their own electricity for data centers.
Tech companies so far are not confirming that they’ve agreed to this pledge.
In a statement to ABC News, Microsoft President Brad Smith called the announcement an “important step.”
“The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is an important step. We appreciate the administration’s work to ensure that data centers don’t contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers," Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, said in a statement.
-ABC News' Will Steakin and Elizabeth Schulze
Trump awards Medal of Honor to soldier wounded in Venezuela
Trump introduced Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, who was part of the mission to remove Maduro from office.
"Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat," he added.
Slover was shot four times during the mission, Trump said. He awarded Slover with the Medal of Honor.
The chamber applauded Slover, who was joined by his wife.
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.
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.
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.