What Happened
Hours before President Trump’s State of the Union address, House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke with CBS News, asserting that the U.S. economy is on the right track, although he acknowledged that inflation has not been “completely fixed yet.” In the interview, Johnson emphasized that Americans should not panic about the potential job impacts of artificial intelligence and urged the Iranian government to act sensibly as military options are considered by the Trump administration.
Why It Matters
Johnson’s comments come amid a backdrop of mixed public sentiment regarding the economy. Recent polls indicate that only 37% of Americans view the economy positively, with 60% believing that President Trump presents an overly optimistic picture of inflation and prices. Johnson attributed the current economic challenges to the previous administration, stating that Republicans “inherited a real mess” and that reversing economic trends takes time.
What’s Next
During the State of the Union address, Johnson is expected to highlight the historical significance of the event by displaying the marble George Washington Gavel for the first time. This move is intended to add a historical element to the proceedings, which are constitutionally mandated for the president to outline his administration’s priorities. The address is anticipated to attract significant national and international attention.
