US President Donald Trump pushed a message of economic strength and global leadership in the first State of the Union address of his second term on Tuesday night, seeking to rally voters ahead of the November midterm elections.
In the nearly two-hour speech – the longest of its kind – the American leader made no direct mention of China, a move analysts said could be aimed at avoiding fresh friction with Beijing ahead of his visit.
Trump’s administration is grappling with a range of challenges.
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At home, he is readying for what are anticipated to be tough midterm elections as his approval ratings hover at a record low and as voters voice dissatisfaction over rising living costs.
As widely expected, Trump devoted most of his remarks to domestic issues and his administration’s main achievements since his return to the White House a year ago.
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He said he inherited a “nation in crisis” with a stagnant economy, high inflation and rampant crime, with “war and chaos all over the world” at that time.
“But tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before and a turnaround for the ages,” he said.
