Reports indicate President Trump and allies are considering major federal actions ahead of the 2026 midterms, including a draft executive order tightening voting rules and renewed legal battles over election control, while the SAVE Act has stalled in the Senate due to Republican divisions. At the same time, the Supreme Court struck down Trump-era tariffs—triggering massive refund claims—and expanded USPS immunity, immigration enforcement has intensified with DACA deportations, and rising tensions with Iran have prompted embassy drawdowns and war powers disputes in Congress.

President Donald Trump’s record-long State of the Union speech focused on the economy, immigration, tariffs, crime, and foreign policy, portraying his first year back in office as a major national turnaround. However, fact-checkers found dozens of false or misleading claims, especially on the economy and trade. Trump overstated economic decline under President Biden, exaggerated the impact of his tax cuts and tariffs, and falsely claimed tariffs are paid by foreign countries and could replace income taxes. While some data support parts of his message—such as lower border crossings and a drop in homicide rates—other claims about inflation, gas prices, noncitizen voting, drug costs, and foreign policy successes were inaccurate or overstated.

After the Supreme Court of the United States struck down President Trump’s IEEPA-based tariffs, Senate Democrats proposed the Tariff Refund Act of 2026 to return roughly $175 billion in collected duties, prioritizing small businesses. Trump’s approval has fallen to 39%, with about 60% disapproving of his handling of tariffs and inflation, giving Democrats midterm openings in red and battleground states, as Gavin Newsom urged a focus on cost-of-living issues. Meanwhile, courts and foreign policy tensions remain central, including climate litigation before the Supreme Court, Judge Aileen Cannon blocking Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report, renewed trade friction with the EU, rising Iran tensions, and cartel violence in Mexico.