During the 2026 State of the Union, a lip reader claimed to have interpreted a private remark President Donald Trump made to First Lady Melania as they traveled from the White House to the Capitol.
According to NJ Hickling, speaking to The Irish Star, she believed Trump whispered, “He’s turning up,” possibly hinting at someone expected to attend the event perhaps one of his children. All five of Trump’s children Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and 19-year-old Barron were present for the address. Notably, Barron had skipped the 2025 State of the Union, likely due to his first year at New York University.
The presidential couple traveled in the armored vehicle known as “The Beast,” holding hands as they left the White House before the speech. Inside the Capitol, all of Trump’s children sat with Melania as the president delivered the longest State of the Union address of his career, marking his first official speech of a second term. His address focused heavily on immigration, the economy, and national security, reflecting ongoing political debates and a highly charged atmosphere in Washington.
Republicans, who hold majorities in both chambers of Congress, largely support Trump’s policy priorities, although internal disagreements over immigration enforcement, tariffs, and executive authority have created some friction. Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing a formal rebuttal, highlighting priorities such as economic inequality and the protection of democratic institutions. Several Democratic lawmakers have also considered boycotts or public demonstrations in protest.
Public attention has been intense. Polls indicate that more than three-quarters of Americans are following the address closely, seeing it as more consequential than in previous years. Many voters are particularly focused on economic concerns like inflation, rising costs of living, and housing affordability issues Trump frequently emphasizes.
At the same time, national surveys reveal significant public skepticism. Many Americans feel the country is in worse condition than a year ago and worry that the system of checks and balances is underperforming. Lee Miringoff of Marist University noted that while it’s not unusual for a president to have an extensive agenda for the State of the Union, Trump’s “checklist” appears especially ambitious. He called the speech “a major opportunity for the president to reset with the nation, but a difficult one given entrenched public opinions.”
Approval ratings reflect these challenges. A CNN poll shows Trump’s approval among all adults below 40 percent, with particularly steep declines among independents. Many respondents across party lines feel the president has not adequately addressed the nation’s most pressing issues and expect his policies to take the country in the wrong direction. For a large portion of the electorate, economic concerns remain the top priority.
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