In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration
The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.
For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.
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Melania Trump joins Trump family members in chamber
First lady Melania Trump was greeted with applause as she entered the chamber. She is seated with members of the Trump family, including Barron and Ivanka Trump.
Supreme Court justices enter the chamber to applause
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett entered the chamber with an applause from the attendees.
Trump expected to pledge 'peace wherever I can' as showdown with Iran looms
Trump is expected to tout himself as a peacemaker in his speech, according to excerpts released by the White House.
"As president, I will make peace wherever I can -- but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must," Trump will say.
Iran looms large over Trump's address tonight. U.S. military assets have been surging to the Middle East for weeks, as Trump seeks to strike a nuclear deal with Tehran.
Trump expected to demand 'full and immediate restoration' of DHS funds
Hours after the Senate failed to advance a procedural motion to fund the Department of Homeland Security, Trump is expected to demand the "full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States," according to an excerpt of his prepared speech.
"As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers," the excerpt of his remarks stated.