Rosy Predictions, Angry Attacks: Trump’s State of the Union

The Daily

02/25/26

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37m

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In his first State of the Union address of his second term, President Trump offered a rosy portrait of a United States that has lost confidence in his leadership.

He also relentlessly baited Democrats, who want to win back control of Congress in the midterms this fall.

David E. Sanger, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, takes us inside the room.

Guest: David E. Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times, reporting on President Trump and his administration.

Background reading:

During his State of the Union address, Mr. Trump heralded economic and border policies while deriding Democrats.
Here are some fact checks of his speech.

Photo: Kenny Holston/The New York Times

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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Previous Episode

Trump Weighs War With Iran

February 24

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23m

The United States has been building up a military presence around Iran for weeks, even as negotiators from both countries plan to meet later this week in hopes of finding a diplomatic solution to the escalating tensions.

David E. Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, explains what President Trump hopes to achieve through potential military action, and why he has chosen this moment.

Guest: David E. Sanger, the White House and National Security Correspondent for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Mr. Trump has said he is considering a targeted strike against Iran that could be followed by a larger attack.
As Mr. Trump weighs military action, he has declined to make a clear case for why, or why now.

Photo: Pool photo by Fazry Ismail

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Next Episode

Inside the Operation to Take Down Mexico’s Biggest Drug Lord

February 26

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33m

When Mexican forces captured and killed the country’s most-wanted cartel boss, it revealed how much President Trump’s growing pressure is forcing Mexico to take on cartels.

Maria Abi-Habib and Jack Nicas, who covered the developments, discuss the operation to take down the leader known as El Mencho, and Mexico’s efforts against some of the world’s most powerful criminals.

Guest:

Maria Abi-Habib, an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.
Jack Nicas, the Mexico City bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading: