Recapping the Policy Highlights in the State of the Union

President Trump’s record-breaking 108-minute State of the Union Address started with a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of independence and a claim that “this is the golden age of America.” Throughout the speech, the President touted his wins from the first year of his administration, while delivering a harsh rebuke of the prior administration and Democrats in Congress.

Throughout the address, the President highlighted priorities for the upcoming year, including policies he intends to enact through administrative rulemaking, and calls for Congress to pass specific legislation.

Policies from the Executive Branch

Tariffs. The President argued during his speech that he has plenty of existing tariff authority already, and Congress won’t be needed for him to continue with his tariff policy. 

Voluntary Energy Rate Pledge. The President indicated he has entered into agreements with tech businesses to ensure that they will generate or pay for electricity costs of any data centers that are built to support artificial intelligence models. Increasing electric bills has been a concern for American consumers as more data centers are built, and this is a clear attempt to address affordability ahead of the midterms.

Retirement Plans for All Americans. While full details are still unclear, the President noted during his speech that half of all working Americans don’t have access to a retirement plan with an employer match. He said that he will announce next year a plan to give these workers access to the same type of retirement plan offered to federal workers, with a $1,000 match from the federal government. 

War on Fraud. The President highlighted ongoing fraud investigations in Minnesota, and also listed California, Massachusetts, and Maine as high offenders. He announced a “War on Fraud” that will be led by Vice President JD Vance.

Policies Requiring Congressional Action

Health Care and Drug Pricing. The President highlighted his “Great Healthcare Plan” and called on Congress to stop payments to big health insurance plans and instead give that money directly to consumers to purchase their own health care. The President also called on Congress to codify his “Most Favored Nations” price controls on prescription drugs. 

Housing. The President asked Congress to make his recent executive order banning institutional investors from buying homes permanent. 

Insider Trading. The President called on Congress to pass the Stop Insider Trading Act.

Immigration and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The President referenced the shutdown at DHS and called on Democrats to fully fund the agency. He went on to say that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants. He then called on Congress to pass legislation that would bar any state from granting commercial driving licenses to illegal aliens. He also asked Congress to end sanctuary cities and implement serious penalties for any officials blocking the removal of illegal immigrants from the country.

Voting and Elections. The President called on Congress to pass the SAVE Act. The bill has passed the House but has not yet received a vote in the Senate. The President also argued that mail-in ballots should no longer be allowed except in instances of disability, illness, or travel. 

Public Safety. The President called on Congress to pass legislation to put repeat violent offenders behind bars, and ensure they stay behind bars.