President Donald Trump on Tuesday will address Congress to present the annual State of the Union speech to a nation that has undergone significant changes.
After one year in office, Trump has established himself as a president who challenges traditional norms. He has implemented a rapid and transformative agenda, altering domestic priorities, disrupting international alliances, and questioning the fundamental system of checks and balances in the country. Tragically, two Americans lost their lives at the hands of federal agents during protests against the immigration raids and mass deportations carried out by the Trump administration.
As the legislators convene in the House chamber to hear Trump’s plans for the upcoming year, this moment represents a critical juncture for Congress, which has effectively been marginalized by his extensive influence, with the Republican president circumventing his narrow GOP majority to consolidate significant power for himself.
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The current State of the Union is one of turmoil
The nation finds itself at a pivotal moment, commemorating its 250th anniversary while undergoing some of the most profound transformations in its political landscape, policies, and overall sentiment experienced by many Americans in their lifetimes.
The president effectively pushed his agenda through Congress when necessary — frequently exerting pressure on lawmakers with phone calls during critical votes — yet more often than not, he sidestepped the complicated negotiations of the legislative process to advance beyond his own party and the typically united Democratic opposition.
Trump’s most notable legislative achievement to date is the Republican Party’s substantial tax cuts legislation, which includes new savings accounts for infants, exemptions on tips and various specialized deductions, along with significant reductions to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. This legislation also allocated over $170 billion to Homeland Security for his immigration deportation efforts.
However, the Republican-controlled Congress has largely remained passive as Trump has aggressively consolidated power through numerous executive actions, many of which are facing legal challenges, demonstrating a readiness to do whatever is necessary to enforce his agenda.