What Happened
Donald Trump delivered a nearly two-hour speech before Congress, marking the longest State of the Union address in history, surpassing his previous record set last year. During the address, Trump highlighted his administration’s achievements while also making numerous claims about the current state of the economy, particularly inflation.
Why It Matters
In his speech, Trump asserted that inflation is worse under President Joe Biden than at any other time in history, a claim that has been challenged by historical data. For instance, inflation rates in 1980 reached 13.5%, significantly higher than the 8% recorded in 2022. Furthermore, while Trump stated that inflation is decreasing under his administration, the current rate remains above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, indicating ongoing price increases.
What’s Next
The address also featured a notable moment between Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts, who has been a target of Trump’s criticism. Despite the tension, the two exchanged a polite handshake. Political analysts suggest that Trump’s frequent public appearances diminish the significance of the State of the Union address, as he often communicates his messages through social media. The implications of this shift in communication style may affect how future administrations approach their annual addresses.
