US President Donald Trump delivered a forceful State of the Union address, declaring that America is undergoing a “global reset” as its economy surges under his second-term leadership.

Entering the House chamber to chants of “USA,” Trump framed his address as both a celebration of achievements and a roadmap for what he called a new “golden age of America.” Introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson and flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance, he proclaimed that the nation is “back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.”

Immigration and Border Policy

Trump sharply criticised Democrats during the speech, particularly on immigration. He claimed that in the past nine months “zero illegal aliens have been admitted” into the United States, while maintaining that legal immigration would continue for those who “love our country.”

At one point, he rebuked lawmakers who did not stand to affirm that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” telling them, “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Economic Agenda: Tariffs and Tax Cuts

The President made tariffs and tax reform the centrepiece of his economic message. He said his tariff policies had generated “hundreds of billions of dollars” and helped secure deals benefiting both economic and national security interests.

Referencing what he called “an unfortunate ruling” by the Supreme Court of the United States, Trump insisted the tariffs would remain in place and predicted they could “substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax.”

Law Enforcement and Domestic Policy

Trump outlined a “war on fraud” led by Vice President Vance and made controversial claims about financial misconduct within certain communities. He also urged Congress to pass the proposed “Dalilah Law,” aimed at barring states from issuing commercial driver’s licences to undocumented immigrants.

In a swipe at New York City leadership, he referred to the city’s mayor as “the new communist mayor,” before adding humorously, “I think he’s a nice guy, actually.”

Foreign Policy and Defence

On the global stage, Trump asserted that he had “ended eight wars,” citing conflicts including Kosovo and Serbia, Cambodia and Thailand, and tensions between Pakistan and India. He claimed his administration had prevented what “would have been a nuclear war.”

He thanked senior advisers including Marco Rubio, praising him as “a great secretary of state,” along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Trump also said NATO countries had agreed to raise defence spending to five per cent of GDP and maintained that US support to Ukraine was being reimbursed through NATO arrangements.

Western Hemisphere and Venezuela

The President announced that drug cartels had been designated as foreign terrorist organisations and described fentanyl as “a weapon of mass destruction.” He claimed a new maritime military campaign had significantly reduced drug smuggling.

In a dramatic moment, Trump stated that US forces had captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and ended his “reign,” introducing Venezuelan guests in the gallery whom he said had been freed from prison.

The address blended policy proposals, political attacks and theatrical moments, underscoring Trump’s effort to frame his second term as a transformative period aimed at economic resurgence and global recalibration.