In record State of the Union, Trump spars with Dems, touts economy and immigration

The speech was a chance for Trump to make his case ahead of the midterms.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 11:57 PM EST

President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union Tuesday night in Washington, as a majority of Americans disapprove of how he is handling inflation, tariffs, relations with other countries, immigration and the economy, according to an ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll.

For Trump, the speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November's midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake. Dozens of Democrats, meanwhile, skipped the speech in protest.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news developed:
Feb 24, 2026, 11:14 PM EST

Medal of Honor awarded to 100-year-old veteran

A 100-year-old veteran was also awarded the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union.

Royce Williams was a Navy fighter pilot who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. President Trump called him a "legend" and highlighted Williams' dogfight against seven Soviet fighter planes during the Korean War that was a secret for decades.

First lady Melania Trump presented the retired captain with the Medal of Honor. Both sides of the aisle erupted with prolonged cheers and claps for him.

First Lady Melania Trump presents US veteran Captain E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor during US President Donald Trump's the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, Feb. 24, 2026.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Feb 24, 2026, 11:12 PM EST

Tech companies have not made deal yet with Trump over data centers

Trump earlier said he had worked out negotiations with unnamed tech companies where they would pay for their own electricity for data centers.

Tech companies so far are not confirming that they’ve agreed to this pledge.

In a statement to ABC News, Microsoft President Brad Smith called the announcement an “important step.”

“The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is an important step. We appreciate the administration’s work to ensure that data centers don’t contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers," Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, said in a statement.

-ABC News' Will Steakin and Elizabeth Schulze

Feb 24, 2026, 11:11 PM EST

Trump awards Medal of Honor to soldier wounded in Venezuela

Trump introduced Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, who was part of the mission to remove Maduro from office.

"Eric maneuvered his helicopter with all of those lives and souls to face the enemy and let his gunners eliminate the threat," he added. 

Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover receives the Congressional Medal of Honor during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address during a Joint Session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Slover was shot four times during the mission, Trump said. He awarded Slover with the Medal of Honor.

The chamber applauded Slover, who was joined by his wife.

Feb 24, 2026, 11:04 PM EST

Trump spotlights Maduro military operation

President Trump called the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last month a "colossal victory for the security of the United States" while extensively spotlighting the military operation during his address.

Trump said the U.S. is working closely with the new president, Delcy Rodriguez, to "bring new hope to those who have suffered so terribly."

He then brought out a man freed from a Venezuelan prison, whose niece was also in the chamber.

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