In the longest State of the Union address in modern history, President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, night that the United States has entered a “new golden age,” characterized by economic resilience and national strength. Speaking for one hour and 48 minutes, the president painted a picture of a historic “turnaround for the ages,” even as new polling suggests a growing disconnect between the administration’s rhetoric and the financial anxiety of the American electorate.
The centerpieces of the president’s economic agenda included a bold new proposal for a federal 401(k) match for workers without employer-sponsored plans and the creation of government-seeded investment accounts for children. Trump touted a core inflation rate of 1.7% in the final months of 2025 and record-high stock market performance as proof of his success. He also reaffirmed his commitment to an aggressive tariff regime, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down some of his broad trade authorities, insisting that foreign levies will eventually replace much of the domestic income tax system.
However, the “golden age” narrative faces significant headwinds. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealed that 55% of Americans believe the country is changing for the worse, with voters citing the high cost of housing and the “affordability crisis” as their primary concerns. While Trump blamed former President Biden for current price pressures, Democratic lawmakers remained mostly silent during the speech, with some openly protesting the administration’s mass deportation campaign and the use of federal force in domestic enforcement operations.
The address also delved into foreign policy, with Trump claiming to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program and announcing that the U.S. had received 18 million barrels of oil from a “new friend and partner,” Venezuela, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He also claimed credit for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan and ending eight wars in his first 10 months. Despite these claims, international observers noted that the war in Ukraine remains a stalemate as it enters its fourth year.
The president’s emphasis on capital markets and global trade suggests a continuing shift toward economic nationalism. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the success of Trump’s “Golden Age” will likely be judged not by the length of his speeches but by whether his new retirement and savings initiatives can bridge the gap for families still struggling with the day-to-day realities of a polarizing economy.
