Kathmandu. US President Donald Trump delivered his 108-minute State of the Union State of the Union address on Tuesday, touting “tremendous successes in many areas” as he touted his administration’s economic and foreign policy successes.

The speech, which comes in the context of declining approval rates and the upcoming midterm elections, is the longest speech of his first term.

Before a joint session of Congress, Trump said the economy was stronger than expected and that there would be better progress if voters supported the Republicans. “Our country is winning again,” he said, “and we’re winning so much that sometimes we don’t know what to do.” ”

In his speech, he touted military action, trade policy and immigration control as achievements. Expressing dissatisfaction over the Supreme Court’s decision on import duty, he indicated that alternative legal provisions would be used to move ahead. “The work of the Congress may not be necessary,” he said. He reiterated his claim that foreign countries will pay the fee despite criticism that consumers will pay the price.

Several justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, appeared in the House of Representatives during the State of the Union address in the joint session of the Congress. While the issue of the fee decision was being raised, Democrats welcomed it, but there was fierce opposition on other issues. Mark Takano of California and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan openly criticized, while Al Green was escorted out of the chamber shortly after the start of his address.

The president sent a strong message against immigration, saying we must “protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” He also proposed limiting mail-in ballots and tightening voter identification. But issues such as the rising cost of living and the sluggish growth of the economy left relatively little time.

Among the emotional moments of the speech were the honors of the U.S. men’s hockey team, which won Olympic gold. Lawmakers from both parties gave a standing ovation as goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and National Guard member Andrew Wolfe was awarded the Purple Heart. In 2020, radio host Ross Limbaugh was reminded of the honor.

On foreign policy, President Trump reiterated his warning that Iran “will never let it possess a nuclear weapon.” Against the backdrop of sending two US aircraft carriers to the Middle East, he said a diplomatic solution was a priority but would take “tough measures” if necessary. He praised the airstrikes on Tehran and the ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

In a Democratic response, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger criticized tariff policies, immigration measures and federal spending cuts. “Even though the Supreme Court has scrapped the fees, the loss has been done,” he said.

The lengthy speech, which comes as the midterm elections approach, makes President Trump’s political message clear.