State of the Union

President Donald Trump is using Tuesday's State of the Union to argue that the country is “winning” under his leadership, even as his approval ratings slide. He focused on jobs, manufacturing and an economy he says is stronger than many Americans believe, according to polls. He is leaning into pageantry, dramatically bringing the Olympic gold-medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team into the House chamber. Trump also said he plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the team’s goaltender. Trump is also highlighting his immigration crackdowns and spending cuts. Democratic lawmakers cheered the hockey team, but stayed seated without clapping during Trump's speech. Some skipped the address altogether in protest.

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in November’s elections for control of the House and the Senate. The president and his party appear vulnerable leading up to tonight's speech. Polls show much of America distrusts how Trump has managed the government in his first year back in office. The Supreme Court last week ruled Trump lacked the power to impose many of his sweeping tariffs. And Trump's intensifying threats about launching military strikes on Iran over its nuclear program also cast a shadow over the address.