On Tuesday night, Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address to Congress, a speech that comes at a critical moment for his presidency. According to a recent CNN poll, only 36% of Americans approve of the job Trump is doing, while a Washington Post survey showed a similar figure at 39%.
The president has achieved substantive accomplishments, both domestically and in foreign policy, but many of his achievements have been highly divisive. Trump has pushed the envelope of presidential power, cracking down on illegal immigration and upending foreign alliances.
Trump previewed his address on Monday, saying, "We have a country that's now doing well, we have the greatest economy we've ever had and the most activity we've ever had." However, opinion polls suggest the public mood has soured on Trump in his second term.
Challenges Ahead
With midterm elections just over eight months away, Trump's speech is an opportunity to make his case to the US public before voters pass judgment on his second presidential term. The elections could preserve his Republican majority in Congress or hand power to the Democrats, potentially leading to two years of legislative gridlock and aggressive oversight.
Robert Rowland, a professor at the University of Kansas, said that Trump's typical speeches to Congress have followed a pattern of boasting about his accomplishments and attacking his perceived enemies. However, Rowland noted that this approach may not be the best approach at a critical moment for the president.
Economic and Immigration Policies
Trump's trade policies, including high tariffs on some of America's biggest partners, have proven to be unpopular. The US Supreme Court recently ruled that many of the president's duties were illegal, casting doubt on the administration's trade regime. The economy and immigration had traditionally been areas where Trump had the most public support, but his standing on those issues has declined since he returned to the White House.
The killings of two US citizens by immigration officers in Minneapolis prompted mass protests, and the administration has since reduced the surge of federal agents there. The president has promised a "softer touch" on immigration, but his efforts to construct or purchase massive new detention facilities have been met with local resistance.
Upcoming Elections
On Tuesday night, Trump could try to shift perceptions about his presidency and make the case for why the US is amassing military forces for a possible strike on Iran. The speech could also give an indication of how he and his fellow Republicans plan to convince Americans to stick with them when they head to the polls later this year.
