Tariffs – Trump to Outline Agenda in Lengthy State of the Union
Tariffs – President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on Tuesday evening during his State of the Union speech, promising an extended appearance before Congress as his administration confronts mounting political and legal challenges in Washington.
Speaking earlier at a White House event in the East Room, Trump indicated that the address would be unusually long. He said the administration has a wide range of issues to cover, from trade and foreign policy to the broader state of the economy.
Supreme Court Ruling Reshapes Trade Debate
The annual address comes days after the US Supreme Court invalidated key elements of Trump’s global tariff framework. The decision has reignited debate over the limits of presidential authority in trade matters and the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch.
Despite the setback, Trump has shown little sign of retreating from his trade strategy. Over the weekend, he increased a previously announced 10 percent replacement import fee to 15 percent, signaling that his administration intends to pursue alternative measures.
Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York told CNN that Congress has historically granted significant discretion to the executive branch on tariff decisions. Meanwhile, Senator John Curtis of Utah described the court’s ruling as a reaffirmation of constitutional safeguards.
Curtis wrote on X that the decision underscored the durability of the nation’s system of checks and balances. However, he also acknowledged unresolved questions, including how previously collected tariff revenues would be handled and whether the administration might invoke other legal authorities to impose new trade restrictions. He stressed the need for greater clarity to provide stability for businesses navigating uncertain trade conditions.
President Criticizes Justices
Trump reacted sharply to the court’s decision, directing criticism toward the justices who ruled against his policy. He suggested that outside influences may have shaped the outcome, though he did not provide evidence for the claim. His remarks further highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding the ruling.
The clash between the executive branch and the judiciary is likely to be a focal point in Tuesday’s address, as the president outlines his legislative priorities and defends his economic agenda.
Epstein Case Returns to Spotlight
The State of the Union will also unfold against the backdrop of renewed scrutiny related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington announced that she would invite Marijke Chartouni, an Epstein survivor and one of her constituents, as her guest for the evening.
Chartouni said her attendance is intended to draw attention to what she described as continued institutional failures in holding perpetrators accountable. She pointed to past investigative shortcomings and called for renewed commitment to transparency and justice for survivors.
Jayapal confirmed that she does not plan to attend the speech herself but said she believes it is important that survivors’ voices are represented in the chamber.
Middle East Tensions and Iran Talks
Foreign policy is also expected to feature prominently. Trump has ordered the repositioning of US military combat and support assets toward the Middle East, amid rising tensions in the region. Administration officials are reportedly weighing the possibility of a second round of military strikes in Iran.
Diplomatic talks concerning Iran’s nuclear programme are scheduled to resume this week, adding another layer of complexity to an already sensitive geopolitical situation.
Economic Slowdown and Public Opinion
Recent government data showed that US economic growth slowed to 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, down from 4.4 percent in the previous quarter. The figures have prompted concerns among economists about momentum heading into the new year.
Public sentiment appears divided. A Washington Post-IPSOS-ABC News poll conducted between February 12 and 17 found that 60 percent of respondents disapproved of the president’s job performance.
Under the US Constitution, the State of the Union address provides the president with an opportunity to assess the nation’s condition and present policy priorities to Congress. Lawmakers traditionally invite guests whose presence underscores key issues facing the country, adding symbolic weight to the evening’s proceedings.