Once Upon a Hill

Once Upon a Hill

Congress Nerd Sunset

Trump’s “golden age” meets reality

The president is expected to tout strength and prosperity during his State of the Union. But sagging approval, a DHS shutdown and global instability complicate the narrative heading into the speech.

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Michael Jones
Feb 24, 2026
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President Donald Trump leaves an event to proclaim “Angel Family Day” in the White House East Room on Feb. 23, 2026. Photo by Alex Brandon/AP

When Donald Trump steps to the rostrum in the House chamber tonight, expect the president to depict the nation as already in the early stages of a golden age of his creation. He will likely take credit for what he …

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