ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, and Meredith Deliso 
Last updated: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 5:16AM GMT
President Donald Trump declared during Tuesday’s marathon State of the Union that “we’re winning so much,” saying he’d sparked a jobs and manufacturing boom at home while imposing a new world order abroad – hoping that offering a long list of his accomplishments can counter approval ratings that have been falling.
For the president, the high-profile speech was a chance to make the case directly to millions of Americans ahead of November’s midterm elections where control of Congress is at stake.
Key Headlines
Here’s how the news is developing.
Fact check of President Trump’s State of the Union address
Just over a year into his second term, President Donald Trump is delivering the State of the Union address, making his case for sweeping policy changes and executive actions that have come to define America’s current moment.
ABC News is live fact-checking some of the president’s statements that may be exaggerated, need more context or are false.
Go here for a look at the full fact check from ABC News.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
Medal of Honor awarded to 100-year-old veteran
A 100-year-old veteran was also awarded the Medal of Honor during the State of the Union.
Barron Trump and first lady Melania Trump applaud World War II Navy Pilot Capt. Royce Williams during Pres. Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington on Feb. 24, 2026.
Royce Williams was a Navy fighter pilot who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. President Trump called him a “legend” and highlighted Williams’ dogfight against seven Soviet fighter planes during the Korean War that was a secret for decades.
First lady Melania Trump presented the retired captain with the Medal of Honor. Both sides of the aisle erupted with prolonged cheers and claps for him.
ByWill Steakin and Elizabeth Schulze
Tech companies have not made deal yet with Trump over data centers
Trump earlier said he had worked out negotiations with unnamed tech companies where they would pay for their own electricity for data centers.
President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026.
Tech companies so far are not confirming that they’ve agreed to this pledge.
In a statement to ABC News, Microsoft President Brad Smith called the announcement an “important step.”
“The Ratepayer Protection Pledge is an important step. We appreciate the administration’s work to ensure that data centers don’t contribute to higher electricity prices for consumers,” Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, said in a statement.
ByRegina Garcia Cano 
Trump highlights new relationship with Venezuela after Maduro capture
Following last month’s capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro by elite U.S. military forces, Trump said Tuesday, his administration is working with acting President Delcy Rodriguez to “unleash extraordinary economic gains for both of our countries and to bring new hope to those who have suffered so terribly.”
Among those who have suffered for years in Venezuela are thousands of people who have been detained for months or years for political reasons. Venezuela’s ruling party denied holding people for their political beliefs, but it began releasing hundreds of them following Maduro’s capture.
They included former presidential candidate Enrique Márquez, whom Trump’s administration invited to the State of the Union address to surprise a relative who was sitting in the gallery.
Democrat holds up photos of Renee Good, Alex Pretti
Democratic Rep. Norma Torres of California was seen holding photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the two Minneapolis residents who were shot by federal law enforcement in separate incidents during last month’s immigration enforcement in the state.
Rep. Norma Torres (D- CA) holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Renee Good during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Rep. Norma Torres (D- CA) holds up a photo of Minnesota shooting victim Alex Pretti during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 24, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Trump has not brought up the shootings, which are both under investigation and not yielded any charges, during the speech as of 10:47 p.m.