Trump Defends Tariffs, Claims Economic Gains in State of the Union Address

Washington: US President Donald Trump said he had ended “many wars” through the use of tariffs and claimed that despite trade duties, countries around the world still want to maintain deals with the United States.

During his first State of the Union address of his second term, Trump strongly criticized a Supreme Court ruling against tariffs, arguing that trade measures had strengthened America’s global position.

Speaking on border security, the US president claimed that American borders are now the most secure in the country’s history. He stated that not a single undocumented migrant had entered the United States in the past nine months and reiterated his administration’s commitment to deporting illegal immigrants.

Trump also referred to a security incident outside the White House, alleging that an “Afghan terrorist” had shot a female officer, adding that such an individual should never have been present in the United States.

On the economy and inflation, Trump asserted that his second term had brought a significant reduction in inflation. He claimed egg prices had fallen by 60 percent and that $18 trillion in investment commitments had been secured over the past 12 months. “America is richer and better than ever before,” he said, adding that the country had achieved remarkable progress within a year.

Criticizing his predecessor Joe Biden, Trump said the country had been on the brink of disaster during the previous administration. He also highlighted tax cuts passed by Republicans in Congress, claiming that every Democrat had voted against them because they favored higher taxes.

During the address, Democratic Congressman Al Green staged a protest and attempted to wave a banner in front of the president. He was subsequently escorted out of the congressional chamber.

Cabinet members, lawmakers, and members of President Trump’s family were present in the chamber during the address.