Trump Declares ‘Golden Age,’ Warns Iran And Honors Charlie Kirk In State Of The Union

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. President Donald J. Trump declared that America has entered a “golden age” while warning Iran of possible military action and honoring slain Christian activist Charlie Kirk during a politically charged State of the Union address before a divided Congress.

“Our nation is back, richer, stronger than ever before,” Trump said, referencing the approaching 250th anniversary of the United States. “This is the golden age of America.”

Despite ongoing voter concerns about high prices, Trump said inflation was “plummeting,” incomes were rising, and the United States was “respected again like never before.”

He added that “our enemy is scared,” portraying his administration as restoring American strength globally.

FOREIGN POLICY CLAIMS AND IRAN WARNING

Turning to foreign affairs, Trump said he had helped end several international conflicts, including what he described as the war in Gaza.

He said hostages held overseas had been returned “alive or dead,” recalling meetings with families who, he said, sought closure even when their loved ones had not survived.

Trump also suggested his diplomacy had prevented what he described as an assassination attempt involving a Pakistani leader, though he did not provide specific details.

“I will never allow the number one sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in a direct warning to Iran.

He said the United States had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear ambitions with strikes on its nuclear sites last year and expressed concern about what he described as a deadly crackdown on protesters by Iran’s Islamic rulers.

TRUMP WARNING IRAN

While saying he would prefer not to launch further military action, Trump did not rule it out, noting he had not heard Iran declare it would permanently abandon nuclear ambitions. There was no immediate reaction from Iranian officials.

Trump added that he was now seeking to end what he described as a “ninth war.”

A major portion of the address focused on immigration.

Trump said the United States now has “the strongest border by far,” claiming that in the past nine months, “zero illegal migrants have been admitted to the United States,” while adding that those genuinely in need would continue to be accepted.

He also said fentanyl trafficking and violent crime had fallen to record lows, though he did not provide detailed statistics during the speech. The president introduced a five-year-old girl who survived being struck by a truck driven by an undocumented migrant, saying the case illustrated the dangers of illegal immigration.

ECONOMIC POLICY, TAXES, AND TRADE

Trump promoted what he called a “Great Beautiful Bill,” saying it would eliminate taxes on tips for waiters and other service workers.

He said most jobs created under his administration were in the private sector and that more than one million people had been removed from food stamp programs.

On energy policy, Trump said the United States had secured 80 million barrels of oil from what he described as its “new friend Venezuela,” while reaffirming expanded domestic drilling.

He also criticized a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling limiting executive trade authority, calling it “unfortunate,” and defended keeping tariffs in place to protect American workers.

VOTING REFORMS AND ETHICS LEGISLATION

Additionally, Trump called for nationwide mandatory voter identification and proof of citizenship.

Under legislation he outlined, mail-in ballots would be limited to military personnel, travelers, or those who are ill.

He also said members of Congress “cannot corruptly profit” from insider trading and announced plans to pursue related legislation.

“Did Nancy Pelosi stand up?” Trump asked, referring to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after saying he was “surprised” some Democrats stood during that portion of the speech. Pelosi has denied allegations from critics that she profited improperly from stock trades while in office, and no charges have been filed against her.

FAITH, CHARLIE KIRK, AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

In one of the most emotional moments of the evening, Trump honored late born again Christian and students’ inspiring activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year, and his widow, Erika Kirk, who attended the address.

“In honor of Charlie Kirk, we reaffirm that the United States is one nation under God,” Trump said.

He spoke of what he described as a revival of faith and religion in America and praised Kirk’s activism among students, calling himand his widow “a friend.”

HONORING SERVICE MEMBERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS

Trump announced that retired Navy Captain E. Royce Williams, a 100-year-old Korean War veteran, would receive the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest military decoration — for his actions during a 1952 aerial combat mission that remained classified for decades.

He also honored a U.S. helicopter pilot wounded during last year’s operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The pilot was present in the chamber with his wife.

In a celebratory moment, Trump introduced members of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team, prompting chants of “USA! USA!” throughout the chamber.

First Lady Melania Trump invited additional guests to highlight her work related to foster care and responsible artificial intelligence initiatives.

DEMOCRATIC BOYCOTTS AND POLITICAL DIVIDE

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers were believed to have boycotted the address.

Others attended, saying they were present to demonstrate that Trump does not “own the house,” as Senator Amy Klobuchar put it.

Democratic leaders said attendance was left to individual members.

The address comes ahead of critical midterm elections and amid deep national debate over immigration, inflation, faith, foreign policy, and America’s global role.

Latest Worthy News