The nearly two-hour speech by Donald Trump became the longest presidential address to Congress in more than sixty years. In 1 hour and 48 minutes, the president outlined his foreign policy priorities, criticized Democrats and the U.S. Supreme Court, pledged to take a tougher line on Iran, and promised to pursue peace in Ukraine but “from a position of strength.” Le Monde vu d’ailleurs presents a brief recap of this State of the Union address before the U.S. Congress.
One of the central themes of the speech was confrontation with Tehran. According to the president, Iran already possesses missiles capable of threatening Europe and U.S. military bases abroad, and is working on delivery systems that could potentially reach the United States. Trump said he would prefer a diplomatic solution, but made clear he would not accept the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran. He noted that Tehran wants to strike a deal, yet has not uttered the key words: a definitive commitment never to obtain nuclear weapons.
Significant attention was also devoted to the war between Russia and Ukraine. The president stated that his administration is working to end the hostilities, where “tens of thousands of soldiers are dying each month.” He reaffirmed his intention to seek peace, while stressing that the United States would not hesitate when its national interests are threatened.
Another section of the speech addressed the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs. Trump described the decision as disappointing, while assuring that most countries want to preserve the agreements already reached. According to him, the economic strategy defined prior to the Court’s intervention remains in place and will continue.
Domestically, the focus was on immigration and funding for security forces. The president accused Democrats of blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security and demanded the immediate and full restoration of resources allocated to border protection. He asserted that the border is now “secure,” that the military and police are fully staffed, and that America’s adversaries are showing greater caution.
Trump also denounced what he described as widespread corruption in several Democrat-led states. The fight against fraud has been entrusted to Vice President JD Vance. According to the president, billions of dollars in taxpayer funds are lost each year due to fraudulent practices.
In a more emotional moment, he referred to the tragic death of Irina Zaroutskaïa, a refugee who fled war only to be killed in the United States. He promised her family that justice would be served, linking the case to the need for stricter immigration policies and tighter control over the release of criminals.
In closing, the president reminded lawmakers that July 4 will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence — “two and a half centuries of freedom and triumph.” He described the current period as the beginning of a new “Golden Age of America,” defined by renewed strength, sovereignty, and international respect.
