Trumps economic talking points for the State of the Union

Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 10:00 am

Trump's Economic Agenda Faces Scrutiny Ahead of Midterms

President Trump is expected to address the nation on the economy during his upcoming State of the Union address, a crucial moment as Republicans face the upcoming midterm elections. With low economic approval ratings potentially impacting the party's prospects, the speech will serve as a platform for Trump to outline his economic policies and highlight his administration's achievements.

The labor market has shown mixed results. While job growth has slowed compared to previous years, the unemployment rate has decreased. However, revisions to past data indicate a lower overall job count than previously reported. Economic growth, a key area Trump is likely to emphasize, saw a 2.2% increase in 2025, with fluctuations throughout the year.

Inflation presents a more complex picture. While the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has decreased to 2.4%, core inflation also saw a decline. However, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the personal consumption expenditures index, has risen. The administration may highlight falling prices for certain goods, while downplaying areas where inflation remains high.

Trump is also expected to address the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, potentially criticizing the central bank's interest rate policies. He may also discuss the investigation into Powell.

Trade policy and tariffs are another area of focus. Trump will likely defend his tariff policies, even after a recent Supreme Court ruling against his tariffs. He may also highlight investment figures, though the accuracy of these numbers has been questioned. The administration is also pushing for a ban on institutional investors buying single-family homes.

Finally, Trump is expected to promote the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which includes provisions to make current individual tax rates permanent and other tax cuts.

BNN's Perspective: The economic landscape under the Trump administration presents a mixed bag. While some indicators show positive trends, such as a decrease in the unemployment rate, others, like inflation, remain a concern. The upcoming State of the Union address will be a critical opportunity for the President to address these challenges and convince voters of his economic vision.

Keywords: Trump, economy, State of the Union, inflation, jobs, growth, tariffs, Federal Reserve, interest rates, tax cuts, midterm elections, consumer price index, GDP, investment, housing, housing affordability

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