Analysis: Trump issues patriotic rallying cry with eye on crucial elections
The BBC's Anthony Zurcher says the US president appealed to his base and taunted his opponents in a marathon speech.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Our nation is back."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"We are doing really well."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Our country is winning again."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"We will never submit to tyranny."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"This radical movement is attempting to demolish these treasures."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"The goal is the same: to silence dissent and to scare you out of speaking the truth."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"The radicals burning American flags want to burn down the principles enshrined in our founding documents."
— Donald Trump , Politician
""Our nation is back.""
— Donald Trump , Politician
"Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"You should be ashamed of yourselves."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"These people are crazy."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"How about you first!"
— Mark Takano , Politician
"You’re the most corrupt president!"
— Rashida Tlaib , Politician
Key People
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger became Virginia’s first female governor and has served three terms in the U.S. House.
Democratic Representative Al Green represents Texas's 9th congressional district.
Andrew Wolfe is a National Guard member who was shot while deployed.
Connor Hellebuyck is a professional ice hockey goaltender for the United States national team.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
John Roberts is the Chief Justice of the United States.
Mark Takano is a Democratic U.S. Representative from California.
The President of Venezuela, involved in a long-standing political crisis.
A Democratic Representative from Michigan known for her progressive views.
Rush Limbaugh was a conservative radio host.
Tags
All Coverage
The BBC's Anthony Zurcher says the US president appealed to his base and taunted his opponents in a marathon speech.
President Trump delivered a combative State of the Union address, appealing to his base and taunting opponents, with an eye on upcoming midterm elections.
President Trump declared during his State of the Union that 'we’re winning so much,' aiming to calm economic concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
President Trump delivered a speech at the National Archives, warning against left-wing 'segregation' and advocating for 'patriotic education'.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Trump the builder carves his legacy in stone as pressures mount - Reuters
Trump the builder carves his legacy in stone as pressures mount Reuters
August 19, 2026 at 08:06 PMBBC seeks to subpoena Trump's family members in Panorama lawsuit
The BBC's lawyers argue Trump's family members "have personal knowledge" of his intentions in the speech he gave outside the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
August 15, 2026 at 12:01 AMTrump to tout drop in US crime rates with an eye on midterms - Reuters
Trump to tout drop in US crime rates with an eye on midterms Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 05:47 PMTrump administration again urges US Supreme Court intervention on mail ballots - Reuters
Trump administration again urges US Supreme Court intervention on mail ballots Reuters
August 12, 2026 at 11:57 PMTrump urges Americans to accept higher gas prices as he escalates Iran rhetoric - Reuters
Trump urges Americans to accept higher gas prices as he escalates Iran rhetoric Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 09:52 PMTrump threatens 'tremendous economic consequences' on any country helping Iran
It comes after a 60-day ceasefire expired on Monday, with no sign of a diplomatic or military off-ramp to the conflict.
August 20, 2026 at 12:52 AM