Opinion

LIZ PEEK: Inflation, immigration and Trump’s State of the Union moment of truth

President Trump must hit hard on economic, immigration, and AI concerns in his speech to the nation while Democrats lead in polling ahead of midterm elections

By Liz Peek Fox News

Published February 24, 2026 5:00am EST

Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google

close

Video

Democrats divided on response to Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address

Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin reports on Democrats’ efforts to plan a response to President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address. Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell weighs in on ‘The Faulkner Focus.’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

President Trump will address the nation Tuesday night in his State of the Union address. The stakes, for the president and for the country, could not be higher.

Will President Trump reenergize his voters and help the GOP keep control of Congress in November? He could, and he must. The Trump agenda is not done, and the prospect of Hakeem Jeffries becoming House speaker should make your hair stand on end. Not because Jeffries is a Democrat, but because he is the face of Trump-hating, brainless opposition that would rather hurt the U.S. than accommodate a president he doesn’t like. Exhibit A: ridiculous government shutdowns.

With betting sites showing 79% to 81% odds that Democrats will take over the House in November, and with Democrats leading the "generic ballot" by about 5 points, Trump needs to deliver a barnburner — he needs to be upbeat, likable and accurate. The facts are on his side; there is no need to embellish.

First, he can blow off inevitable Democratic razzing by showcasing Jack Hughes, the Olympic hockey player who scored the winning goal in overtime Sunday and led the U.S. men’s team to Olympic gold. Hughes, who lost three teeth during the game, proudly proclaimed afterward, "This is all about our........

© Fox News