Donald Trump used his State of the Union address on Tuesday to declare his first year in office a triumph, despite low public approval ratings and looming midterm elections that could shift control of Congress to Democrats. The speech, delivered to a joint session of Congress, came after months of turmoil for the Republican president, including a crackdown on immigrant communities in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two US citizens and slow progress on his promise to lower the cost of living.
Trump maintained a triumphant tone throughout the address, claiming he had inherited a country ruined by Joe Biden and quickly rebuilt it. 'Tonight, after just one year, we can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages,' he said.
Some Democratic lawmakers boycotted the speech, highlighting the deep partisan divisions that continue to define Trump's presidency. The address comes as Trump faces the prospect of voters handing control of Congress to his Democratic opponents in November's midterm elections.
