Tag: Economy

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President Donald Trump declared during a marathon State of the Union on Tuesday that “we’re winning so much” — insisting he’d sparked an economic boom at home and imposed a new world order abroad in hopes it can counter his sliding approval ratings.We fact-checked the State of the Union address with Hearst Television’s National Investigative Unit and our partners at PolitiFact. To follow along with live updates, click here. Trump’s main objective was convincing increasingly wary Americans that the economy is stronger than many believe, and that they should vote for more of the same by backing Republicans during November’s midterm elections. In all, Trump spoke for a record 108 minutes, breaking — by eight minutes — the previous time mark from his address before a joint session of Congress last year.The president largely avoided his usual bombast, only occasionally veering off-script — mostly to slam Democrats. As he did during such addresses in his first term, Trump relied on a series of surprise special guests to dramatically punctuate his message. They included U.S. military heroes and a former political prisoner released after U.S. forces toppled Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.Video below: See Trump’s full speech Trump drew some of the loudest applause of the night when he invited the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team into the House chamber.“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me, ‘Please, please, please, Mister President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore,’” Trump said before introducing the team.The hockey players, wearing their medals and “USA” sweaters, drew a bipartisan standing ovation. Trump pointed to the Democratic side of the chamber and quipped, “That’s the first time I ever I’ve ever seen them get up.”In a made-for-TV moment, the president announced he would be awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor, to the hockey team’s goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. He also bestowed the Purple Heart on Andrew Wolfe — a National Guard member who was shot while deployed on the streets of the nation’s capital. Wolfe made his first public appearance since then during the speech.That scene recalled a similar surprise announcement in 2020, when Trump gave the Medal of Freedom to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh during his State of the Union speech. Video below: Fact-checking President Trump’s State of the Union addressTrump decries tariff decision as justices look onThe president championed his immigration crackdowns and his push to preserve widespread tariffs that the Supreme Court just struck down. He drew applause only from Democrats while describing the high court’s decision, which he called “an unfortunate ruling.”Trump vowed to plow ahead, using “alternative” laws to impose the taxes on imports and telling lawmakers, “Congressional action will not be necessary.” Trump argued that the tariffs are paid by foreign countries, despite evidence that the costs are borne by American consumers and businesses. “It’s saving our country,” he said.The only Supreme Court justices attending were Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan. Trump greeted them personally before the speech, despite last week slamming Coney Barrett — who he appointed to the high court in his first term — for siding with the majority against his tariffs.Democrats also stood for Trump vowing to halt insider trading by members of Congress. But Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, yelled, “How about you first!” Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Michigan Democrat, called out, “You’re the most corrupt president!”When some heckling continued, Trump proclaimed, “You should be ashamed of yourselves.” Later, he pointed at Democrats and proclaimed, “These people are crazy.”Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted from the chamber early in the speech, after he unfurled a sign of protest that read “Black People Aren’t Apes!” That was an apparent reference to a racist video the president posted that depicted former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as primates in a jungle. Green was also removed during Trump’s address last year.The president, meanwhile, was mostly optimistic and patriotic, but Trump struck a darker tone in large swaths of his speech to warn about the dangers posed by immigrants. He invited lawmakers from both parties to “protect American citizens, not illegal aliens” and championed proposals to limit mail-in ballots and tighten voter identification rules.Affordability gets relatively little timeTrump didn’t dwell on efforts to lower the cost of living — despite polling showing that his handling of the economy and kitchen-table issues has increasingly become a liability. Such concerns about the high costs of living helped propel Democratic wins around the country on Election Day last November.There also are persistent fears that tariffs stoking higher prices could eventually hurt the economy and job creation. Economic growth slowed in the last three months of last year.It is potentially politically perilous ahead of November elections that could deliver congressional wins to Democrats, just as 2018’s blue wave created a strong check to his administration during his first term.On Tuesday, Trump blamed his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, along with Democratic lawmakers in the chamber, saying they were responsible for rising prices and health care costs, two issues his political opponents have repeatedly raised against him.“You caused that problem,” Trump said of affordability concerns. He added a moment later, “They knew their statements were a dirty, rotten lie.”Trump also said he’d press tech companies involved in artificial intelligence to pay higher electricity rates in areas where their data centers are located. Such data centers tend to use large volumes of electricity, potentially increasing the cost of power to other consumers in the area.Another notable off-script moment came as Trump was referencing prescription drug prices, saying, “So in my first year of the second term — should be my third term — but strange things happen,” prompting at least one chant in the chamber of “Four more years!”Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who delivered the Democratic response to Trump’s speech, slammed the president’s aggressive immigration policies, his widespread cuts to the federal government and his tariffs.“Even though the Supreme Court struck these tariffs down four days ago, the damage to us, the American people, has already been done. Meanwhile, the president is planning for new tariffs,” she said. “Another massive tax hike on you and your family.”A warning to IranTrump’s address came as two U.S. aircraft carriers have been dispatched to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. Trump said, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy.”“But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror — which they are, by far — to have a nuclear weapon,” he added.The president also recounted U.S. airstrikes last summer that pounded Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, and lauded the raid that ousted Maduro in Venezuela — as well as his administration’s brokering of a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.“As president, I will make peace wherever I can,” Trump said. “But I will never hesitate to confront threats to America, wherever we must.”Here’s a look at more of the night’s events:Trump makes scant mention of immigration, long a favorite issueImmigration helped carry Trump to victory in 2024 and it has long been a signature issue for him, but he barely discussed the aggressive and highly consequential steps he took to reshape the immigration system during his fist year in office.He didn’t talk about key initiatives under his $170-billion immigration enforcement package that Congress approved: vastly expanding immigration detention, doubling the size of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and building more border wall. He didn’t talk about major policy changes like attempting to end birthright citizenship, denying bond to people who are in immigration custody, suspending asylum at the border and revoking legal status for hundreds of thousands of people who are in the United States on humanitarian grounds.And he didn’t discuss his mass deportation campaign — just weeks after Minnesota’s largest cities turned into battlegrounds between immigration officers and protesters and resulted in U.S. officials fatally shooting two U.S. citizens.Video below — “You should be ashamed”: President Trump, Democrats get into shouting match during big moment of State of the UnionSpanberger calls immigration crackdown a drain on law enforcementThe flood of immigration agents into cities like Minneapolis is unnecessary, wasteful and spreads fear, Spanberger said.“Every minute spent sowing fear is a minute not spent investigating murders, crimes against children, or the criminals defrauding seniors of their life savings,” she said. “Our broken immigration system is something to be fixed, not an excuse for unaccountable agents to terrorize our communities.”Video below: See the full 2026 Democratic SOTU responseSpanberger slams ‘poorly trained’ immigration officers“Our president has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans.”Spanberger is criticizing how Trump’s mass deportation agenda is being carried out in places like Chicago and Minneapolis.Her comments come just a day after a whistleblower told Congress about how new ICE recruits are being trained and the problems with that training.Ryan Schwank accused the Department of Homeland Security of dismantling the training program for new deportation officers and lying about what they were doing.DHS has said that there’s been no compromise or corner cutting when it comes to preparing new deportation officers.Spanberger poses questions about Trump’s second term in Democratic rebuttal“Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? We all know the answer is no”Throughout her Democratic response to Trump’s address, Spanberger posed a series of questions to Americans, asking whether they feel life has improved since he returned to office.The Democrat, who flipped a Republican-held office last year, is hoping voters across the country will share that assessment when they head to the polls in November.Spanberger takes on affordability message in Democratic response to TrumpSpanberger is arguing in her Democratic rebuttal that costs remain high for many Americans more than a year into his second term.Her message, that families are still struggling under Trump’s policies, is one Democrats plan to carry nationwide ahead of the midterm elections. Party leaders point to Spanberger’s double-digit victory in Virginia last November as validation of a disciplined, cost-focused campaign they now hope to replicate across the country.Virginia governor delivers Democratic responseVirginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is giving the Democratic Party’s response following Trump’s speech. California Sen. Alex Padilla, who made national headlines last year after being forced to the ground and handcuffed by federal agents, will deliver the party’s response in Spanish.Lawmakers leap to their feet with starkly divided responses as Trump concludes his addressRepublicans gave the president their final standing ovation of the night as he concluded his remarks. GOP lawmakers then proceeded to mingle in the chamber. Some walked up to congratulate the president on the celebratory mood in the chamber.Democrats also immediately leapt to their feet, though with no fanfare. The caucus almost immediately turned and streamed out of the chamber without applause. Some could be seen scoffing and shaking their heads shortly after Trump wrapped his remarks and descended from the House dais.A warning to IranTrump’s address came as two U.S. aircraft carriers have been dispatched to the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. Trump said, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy.”“But one thing is certain, I will never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror — which they are, by far — to have a nuclear weapon,” he added.The president also recounted U.S. airstrikes last summer that pounded Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, and lauded the raid that ousted Maduro in Venezuela — as well as his administration’s brokering of a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.Less mentioned was Trump’s having strained U.S. military alliances with NATO, thanks to his push to seize Greenland from Denmark and his failure to take a harder line with Russian President Vladimir Putin in seeking an end to its war in Ukraine. Tuesday marked the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.First lady presents Medal of Honor to 100-year-old veteranTrump asked First Lady Melania Trump to present Royce Williams a Medal of Honor for his actions in a secret mission during the Korean War.A military aide was seen bringing the esteemed award down the stairs of the House gallery where Melania Trump and Williams were sitting before she put it around his neck while a standing ovation took over the chamber.“He didn’t even want to tell his wife. But the legend grew and grew,” Trump said about the clandestine mission. “But tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves.” Another victory lap on Maduro and focus on Western HemisphereTrump again celebrated last month’s capture of the Venezuelan leader in an audacious military operation, saying the U.S. “just received from our new friend and partner, Venezuela, more than 80 million barrels of oil.” The Trump administration had previously said it was orchestrating the effort to sell a total of about 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil that had been stranded by a partial blockade imposed by the administration.Trump paid tribute to a helicopter pilot who was wounded in the operation but still managed to carry out the mission and paused to award him the Congressional Medal of Honor.He also introduced a former political prisoner, Enrique Márquez, who was freed by the Venezuelan government last month following the U.S. operation. He was a presidential candidate in the 2024 election and a former member of the National Electoral Council.“This was an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States,” Trump boasted.Trump’s action against Maduro, coupled with an increasingly aggressive posture in the Western Hemisphere aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and illegal migration, are a concern for many in the region — although they also have won support from some smaller countries.Trump has likened the strategy to the Monroe Doctrine, with its rejection of outside influences and assertion of U.S. primacy throughout what the administration considers to be “America’s backyard.”U.S. forces, under Trump’s orders, have carried out dozens of military strikes on alleged drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, seized sanctioned oil tankers and tightened the embargo of Cuba as part of what the president is referring to as the “Donroe Doctrine.””We’re also restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere, acting to secure our national interests and defend our country from violence, drugs, terrorism and foreign interference,” Trump said.Record broken for longest SOTU speechTrump’s 108-minute speech broke his own record for the longest presidential address to Congress.The prior record was his own 100-minute speech last year to a joint session of Congress. A president’s first-year address to Congress is not technically considered a State of the Union.Before 2025, President Bill Clinton had the record with speeches clocking in at 89 minutes in 2000 and 85 minutes in 1995.On Monday, the president warned ahead of giving the address that the State of the Union would be long, saying, “I’m making a speech tomorrow night, and you’ll be hearing me say that,” he said. “I mean, it’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about.”National Guard members shot in Washington honoredPresident Donald Trump presented the Purple Heart medal during his State of the Union Address and honored two National Guard members who were shot while patrolling in Washington last year. Trump paused his speech on Tuesday so a military officer could pin the medal on Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in the House gallery. He also honored Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died from her injuries, as “a true American patriot” and introduced her parents. Wolfe and Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were ambushed in November while deployed to Washington as part of Trump’s executive order to battle what he said was rampant crime.Trump mentions killing of Mexican drug lordTrump appeared to reference the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho.”The Mexican army killed Oseguera Cervantes Sunday in an attempt to capture him in the western state of Jalisco. Both Mexico and the United States confirmed that there was U.S. intelligence support for the operation.Trump said, “We’ve also taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins of all. You saw that yesterday.”Some 70 people died in the operation and violence that erupted after it.Trump touts shaky ceasefire deal in GazaAmong the several conflicts he claims to have ended, Trump mentioned the ongoing, fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza. “I negotiated every single hostage, both living and dead, has been returned home. Can you believe that? Nobody thought it was possible,” the president said during his speech. While the U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas has halted major military operations, freed the last hostages held by Hamas and ramped up aid deliveries to Gaza, a lasting resolution to the two-year war ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel remains elusive.Trump says Homeland Security shutdown is impacting snow cleanup“We’d love to give you a hand at cleaning it up, but you gave no money. Nobody’s getting paid.”Trump said the DHS shutdown was preventing the federal government from “helping people clean up their snow,” referring to the massive snowstorm that impacted much of the northeastern U.S. this week.The Federal Emergency Management Agency, housed under DHS, rarely helps states with snow cleanup, except in some instances of record snowfall or near-record snowfall, or when an ice storm causes catastrophic damage. States first request a disaster declaration that the president must approve.A government shutdown also doesn’t necessarily stop FEMA disaster response: The more than 10,000 staff who make up the bulk of FEMA’s disaster response and recovery force continue to work and be paid during a government shutdown, and disaster spending can continue for as long as the agency’s non-lapsing Disaster Relief Fund has money.Trump highlights case of Ukrainian woman killed on North Carolina train“We will ensure justice for your magnificent daughter, Iryna.”Among those in the audience was the mother of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, an Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed by a man on a North Carolina commuter train last August.Her killing captured on camera in Charlotte sparked intense criticism over why the suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., was on the street despite 14 prior criminal arrests.The Trump administration has pointed to the killing to argue that local leaders, judges and policies in Democratic-led cities are failing to protect their residents from violent crime.Brown has been charged with a federal crime that could carry the death penalty.Erika Kirk recognizedErika Kirk, the widow of influential conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated this past fall, was recognized during President Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday. The president also called for an end to political violence.Trump talks about recent SCOTUS ruling on tariffsTrump drew applause only from Democrats while describing the Supreme Court’s ruling last week, striking down many of his signature tariff policies. The president called it “an unfortunate ruling” and said “everything was working well” before the court’s decision.But Trump said he would plow ahead, using “alternative” laws to impose the taxes on imports and telling lawmakers, “Congressional action will not be necessary.”He also made a bold prediction, suggesting that someday tariffs would “substantially replace” the modern income tax system. He claimed the tariffs are paid by foreign countries despite evidence that the costs are borne by American consumers and businesses.“It’s saving our country,” Trump said of tariffs, adding that they were “peace-protecting.”The Supreme Court justices in attendance were the same who came to Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress last March: Chief Justice John Roberts, as well as Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan. Trump greeted the justices and even shook handswith Coney Barrett, after previously slamming her for siding with the majority against Trump’s tariffs — despite him appointing her to the high court in his first term.Trump tells Democrats they’re responsible for high costs“You caused that problem.”Trump directly addressed Democrats, blaming them for the high costs that are troubling voters. This has been a major theme of Trump’s speech tonight and is also an argument he makes frequently when talking about the economy.Recent polling shows rising frustration with Trump’s approach to the economy.He went on to directly blame Democrats for health care costs, a problem he told them is “caused by you.” He cited the Affordable Care Act, former President Barack Obama’s health care law that Republicans have tried and failed to repeal.Trump touts his health care proposal, which hasn’t made headway in Congress yet“That’s why I introduced the Great Healthcare Plan. I want to stop all payments to big insurance companies and instead give that money directly to the people so they can buy their own health care.”Trump is referring to a health care proposal he pitched to congressional Republicans in January, in hopes that they would turn it into legislation to make health care more affordable. No such legislation has gotten enough momentum to pass yet.His pitch, a general outline of ideas he wants turned into law, calls for sending money directly to Americans in health savings accounts so they can handle health costs as they see fit.Democrats have rejected the idea as a paltry substitute for Affordable Care Act tax credits that had helped lower monthly premiums for many people before the Republican-led Congress let them expire in the new year.House Democrat leaves chamber shaking head during Trump’s speechRep. Lauren Underwood, the head of the House Democrats’ campaign arm’s candidate recruitment efforts, left the chamber during Trump’s speech. Underwood shook her head as she stood with her purse and coat.The Illinois Democrat waved goodbye to some of her Democratic women colleagues. The women, who were each wearing white as an homage to the suffragist movement, exchanged chuckles before Underwood quietly darted out the back.Trump’s big tax breaks bill divides the CongressRepublicans jumped to cheer on their side of the aisle when Trump praised the GOP majority in Congress that “delivered so beautifully” in passing the bill last year.And when Trump criticized Democrats for voting against it, they too stood and cheered.The bill that became law is the most significant legislative achievement for the president and his party, so far, in his second term.It extended many tax cuts that had been approved during Trump’s first term and were about to expire. The package also offered new tax breaks, including no taxes on tips, overtime pay and others.Trump investment accounts for kids get a shoutout“Tax free investment accounts for every American child. This is something that’s so special. It has taken off and gone through the roof.”Part of Trump’s tax legislation, Trump Accounts are meant to give $1,000 to every newborn, so long as their parents open an account.That money is then invested in the stock market by private firms, and the child can access the money when they turn 18.Parents can contribute up to $2,500 annually in pretax income, and yearly contributions are capped at $5,000. Some of the country’s wealthiest businesspeople have contributed tens of billions of dollars to the initiative, including billionaires Michael and Susan Dell and hedge fund founder Ray Dalio and his wife Barbara.Several major companies announced plans to add Trump Accounts contributions to their benefits packages, including Uber, Intel, IBM, Nvidia and Steak ’n Shake.Outside of the Capitol, Democratic lawmakers respond to Trump’s addressA number of Democratic lawmakers chose to skip the president’s address, with some gathering just outside the Capitol on the National Mall for a “People’s State of the Union.” Standing alongside activists, they argued that Trump’s speech would not offer an accurate portrayal of the state of the nation.“We know our state of the union. We know it is under attack,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. Democrats held other counterprogramming as well, including a “State of the Swamp” event. The party’s formal rebuttal, however, was scheduled to come from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger following Trump’s address.Trump touts Republicans’ massive tax and spending law“I urged this Congress to begin the mission by passing the largest tax cuts in American history, and our Republican majorities delivered so beautifully. Thank you, Republicans.”Republicans’ tax and spending package that Trump signed into law last summer includes various provisions that eliminate federal income taxes on tips for people working in jobs that have traditionally received them, a deduction for older Americans, and the creation of Trump accounts.Trump says he’ll give Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goalie“I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor.”Trump announced that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Trump said the award has been given to “many athletes over the years.”Hellebuyck made 41 saves, many of them spectacular, during the United States’ 2-1 victory over Canada for the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games.In his first term, Trump honored athletes including golfer Tiger Woods and football players Alan Page and Roger Staubach with the Medal of Freedom. He also awarded it posthumously to baseball great Babe Ruth.US Men’s Olympic Hockey team receives standing ovation and chants of ‘USA’ after Trump shoutoutIn a rare display of bipartisanship, members of the Men’s Olympic Hockey team received a standing ovation as they entered the House chamber after a shoutout from Trump.The players received multiple rounds of applause, chants of “USA” and pumped fists from lawmakers. Rep. Lisa McClain, the Republican House Conference Chair, shouted, “Love you!”Members of the team stood in the gallery seats overlooking the House floor after Trump praised them. Several smiled and waved at the crowd.Trump then gave a shoutout to the women’s team, who also received a standing ovation despite not being in attendance. Both teams won gold at the Winter Olympics in Milan.Video below: Trump brings the Team USA Men’s Hockey Team into the House galleryTrump invites the USA women’s hockey team to the White HouseThe USA women’s hockey team — who, like their male counterparts, were champions at the recent Winter Olympics — will get their due from Washington soon.The women’s team had declined an invitation from Trump to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union due to the timing of the address.As the gold medal-winning men’s team made their appearance during the speech, Trump announced that the women’s team “will soon be coming to the White House.”Trump says US has received over 80 million barrels of Venezuelan oilThe president said the U.S. has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from its “new friend and partner, Venezuela.”That exceeds what his administration had initially projected in the days after the U.S. military carried out a stunning raid in Venezuela’s capital last month and captured then-President Nicolás Maduro.Venezuela’s oil industry produces roughly 1 million barrels a day. The country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.Trump vowed to turn around Venezuela’s crippling oil industry after Maduro was captured and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.Rep. Al Green is escorted from the chamber as Republicans chant ‘USA’The House Sergeant at Arms approached and escorted Green, who stood as Trump began speaking with a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!” from the chamber barely two minutes into the address.Two Trump allies, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, had approached the area where Green was sitting before Capitol Police escorted him out.Before Green exited, some Republicans began chanting “USA.”Video below: U.S. Rep. Al Green of Texas escorted out of the State of the UnionTrump begins speech“Our nation is back — bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”Trump opened with a triumphant assessment of his first year back in the White House, declaring, “this is the golden age of America.”Trump begins State of the Union address“USA!” chants erupted in the chamber after House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the president.The president immediately acknowledged first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance, who both received standing ovations from Republicans.Most Democrats remained seated without applauding. Some of the party’s lawmakers registered their opposition by refraining from attending the speech.Trump briefly greets Supreme Court justicesThe president briefly greeted the four Supreme Court justices, shaking their hands before quickly moving on.Representing the court were Chief Justice John Roberts, Elena Kagan and two of Trump’s appointees, Brett Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan.The greetings were notable because Trump angrily lashed out at the court after the justices in a 6-3 opinion Friday struck down his tariffs, a signature element of his economic policy.Roberts, Coney Barrett and another Trump appointee, Neil Gorsuch, joined the court’s three liberal justices in voting down the tariffs.Trump enters House chamberAfter being announced, President Trump entered the House and made his way to the podium while shaking hands along the way. The president received a standing ovation from across the chamber. Congressional Republicans, Supreme Court justices and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all clapped, and cheers could be heard from the crowd and gallery overlooking the House floor. Trump’s Cabinet entersMost members of the Cabinet chatted with lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi shook hands with legislators, Supreme Court Justices and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before taking their seats.Hegseth chatted and laughed with generals. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mingled with senators. Transportation Secretary Scott Duffy enthusiastically shook the hand of Rep. Al Green, a frequent Trump critic, approaching and speaking with a group of Democratic senators.Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner struck up conversations with lawmakers.Who’s the designated survivor?They typically start the day as low-profile Cabinet secretaries. They end it that way, too, God willing.But when the rest of the government is gathered together for a big event, like Trump’s State of the Union address, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure someone in the line of leadership succession stays alive.The president’s pick to sit out this time appeared to be Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, who was also chosen as the designated survivor last year for the president’s address to a joint session of Congress. Collins was not seen in the chamber. The White House did not immediately confirm he was chosen.First lady Melania Trump receives a standing ovation as she enters the chamberRepublicans and attendees in the gallery overlooking the House floor cheered and whistled for the first lady as she waved to her fellow attendees.Democrats stood, but few clapped.Justices of the Supreme Court arrive for State of the Union after Trump’s callsChief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett took their seats directly in front of the dais where the president is set to speak.Trump last week called justices “disloyal” after the high court delivered a ruling that struck down his tariff regime on imported goods.“I couldn’t care less if they come,” he later said on whether the justices should attend tonight’s address.Trump arrives at the CapitolThe president left the White House at 8:33 p.m. and arrived at the Capitol at 8:41 p.m. His address is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.Video below: What to expect from President Trump’s State of the Union address Vice President JD Vance and US senators enter House chamberVance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune shook hands with lawmakers as they entered.Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer followed alongside the rest of the senators in attendance.The gallery broke out into applause at the senators’ arrivals.

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