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.
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
Trump says Dems should be 'ashamed'
President Trump got an extended applause from the chamber after calling on members of Congress to "stand up and show your support" and affirm that they believe that the "first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens."
Trump looked around the chamber while waiting for the applause to end, at times shaking his head and gesturing toward the Democrats who did not stand or clap.
"Isn't that a shame. You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up," he said.
Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar could be seen shouting at Trump from the chamber.
Trump demands DHS funding be restored
The president took aim at Democrats again for the partial shutdown that has ended funding to the Department of Homeland Security.
He also criticized them for the federal government shutdown last year and demanded that DHS funding be restored fully.
Trump calls for Stop Insider Trading Act to pass
President Trump urged the Stop Insider Trading Act to pass "without delay" to ensure that members of Congress do not "corruptly profit from using insider information."
As some Democrats stood up and applauded, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Trump responded, "They stood up for that? I can't believe it."
"Did Nancy Pelosi stand up, if she is here? Doubt it," he quipped.
Former House Speaker Pelosi appeared to not react. She has faced allegations of trading on insider information during her time in Congress, but has denied any impropriety.
Trump promises plan with tech companies to lower electricity costs
Trump announced that he negotiated the "rate payer protection pledge" with major tech companies, addressing the issue of rising power costs associated with data centers.
Trump said the companies will have the obligation to pay for their own power needs.
"They can build their own power plants as part of their factory," Trump said.
The president did not give more details about the negotiations, including which tech companies have been part of the discussion.