Trump's speech: Immigration, inflation, and their impact on American policy
Presidential focus on domestic affairs
In his State of the Union address, former President Donald Trump prioritized domestic issues, highlighting illegal immigration and inflation as among the most pressing challenges facing the United States. Trump asserted that his administration had achieved a "great American comeback," claiming the country was stronger than ever before. Regarding the economy, he declared that inflation was declining significantly and wages were rising, following what he termed an "economic crisis" inherited from his administration.
Trump highlighted what he considered tangible economic achievements, stating, “My administration has succeeded in lowering gasoline and real estate prices, and reducing inflation to its lowest level in five years.” He also addressed border security, a cornerstone of his political discourse, asserting that the US border is now secure and that the number of illegal immigrants crossing the border in the past nine months is “zero,” indicating the effectiveness of his strict policies.
The historical context of the State of the Union address
The State of the Union address is a long-standing political tradition in the United States, in which the president delivers an annual speech before a joint session of Congress. In it, he reviews his administration's accomplishments and outlines his vision and legislative agenda for the coming year. For Trump, these speeches were a key platform for direct communication with the American people and for mobilizing his political base. Immigration, the economy—particularly the construction of a wall on the Mexican border—and combating unemployment were consistently central themes in his election campaigns and throughout his presidency, as he sought to project strength and resolve in protecting American interests.
The importance and expected impact of the speech
Trump's focus on these issues carries significant weight both domestically and internationally. Domestically, immigration and inflation directly impact the lives of American citizens and influence their voting decisions. His strict immigration policies are highly controversial, with some supporting them as essential for national security and others deeming them inhumane. The economy remains the most crucial factor in evaluating any president's performance. Internationally, Trump's "America First" policies on immigration and trade have profoundly affected US relations with its allies, particularly neighboring countries like Mexico, and have also impacted the global economic order. His rhetoric underscores the continuation of this approach, which aims to reshape America's role in the world, emphasizing the restoration of security and the achievement of peace through a position of strength.
