State of the Union: An Introspective Report on the United States of America

State of the Union: An Introspective Report on the United States of America

Fellow Americans,

As we gather in reflection on this day, February 25, 2026—the morning after last night's State of the Union address—it is my duty to provide an honest assessment of where we stand as a nation. This report draws from the realities we face, celebrating our strengths while confronting our shortcomings with the introspection they deserve. We are a resilient people, but true progress demands acknowledging both triumphs and trials. Let us examine how we are doing as a country, the state of our economy, and the broader world around us.

How Are We Doing as a Nation?

The United States remains a beacon of opportunity and innovation, but we are navigating turbulent waters. Under President Donald Trump's second term, which began in January 2025, we have seen bold actions aimed at restoring national sovereignty and economic vitality. Achievements include historic lows in illegal border crossings, with apprehensions down 87% from recent averages, and the largest one-year drop in homicides on record through targeted federal crackdowns. Energy production has reached record highs, bolstering our independence, and peace deals have helped de-escalate conflicts abroad. Yet, public sentiment tells a different story: 55% of Americans believe the country is worse off than a year ago, up significantly from prior polls, with consumer confidence hovering near record lows at 91.2. Political divisions are stark, as evidenced by Democrats' muted reactions during last night's address, where they sat stone-faced through mentions of economic gains and border security. Two government shutdowns in early 2026—stemming from disputes over immigration reforms following the tragic killing of Alex Pretti—highlight ongoing gridlock in Congress. Socially, we grapple with issues like widening inequality and debates over civil liberties, including expanded immigration enforcement targeting students and activists. Overall, we are stronger in security but strained in unity and public trust.

How Is the Economy Doing?

On paper, the economy shows resilience, but the lived experience for many Americans is one of frustration. In 2025, GDP grew by 2.2%—the slowest pace in five years and below the 2.4% of 2024—hampered by a government shutdown that shaved off productivity in the fourth quarter. Unemployment rose slightly from 4.1% to 4.3% year-over-year, while inflation cooled to 2.4%. The stock market nears record highs, driven by AI investments and business outlays, yet after-tax incomes rose only 0.9% (adjusted for inflation), the smallest gain since 2022. Consumer spending remains solid, but confidence is low, with expectations for income and jobs dipping below recession-warning levels. Policies like the "One Big Beautiful Bill" in 2025—making 2017 tax cuts permanent and introducing "Trump Accounts" for tax-free savings—have provided some relief, including larger tax refunds this spring. However, a Supreme Court ruling invalidating many tariffs has disrupted trade strategies, potentially costing $1.2 trillion in revenue over the next decade and leading to a 0.1% long-term hit to GDP. We are growing, but not fast enough to shake widespread dissatisfaction.

How Is the World Doing?

Globally, the outlook is stable but subdued, with projected growth of 2.9% in 2026—matching 2025 but below pre-pandemic levels—amid geopolitical tensions and trade realignments. AI is reshaping industries, boosting productivity but dominating economic narratives, while trade policies shift winners and losers, with tariffs and preferences altering global markets. Key risks include escalating conflicts (e.g., Russia's invasion of Ukraine marking its fourth anniversary), rising public debt, and fragmented alliances. Positive notes include Syria's recovery with improved sentiment and regional reintegration, and optimism in sectors like automotive and retail amid stabilizing logistics. The U.S. plays a central role, but challenges like U.S.-China tensions and tariff disputes with allies underscore a volatile "age of competition."

Part B: What We Have Done, Our Failures, and How We Intend to Correct or Do Better

In 2025, our administration pursued an aggressive "America First" agenda, yielding both successes and setbacks. We must own both to move forward.

What We Have Done

• Immigration and Security: Achieved negative net migration for the first time in 50 years, suppressing narco-terrorist activities and reducing fentanyl seizures by half at the border. Launched executive orders prioritizing border enforcement and criminal actor screenings.

• Economy and Taxes: Passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," establishing Trump Accounts, no tax on tips, and permanent tax cuts, spurring investments and larger refunds. Reshored trillions in investments and boosted energy exports.

• Foreign Policy: Ended multiple wars through peace deals, reformed arms transfers, and countered adversaries like China.

• Government Efficiency: Cut bureaucracy via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reducing federal workforce and waste.

Our Failures

• Economic Growth Shortfalls: Despite claims of a "roaring" economy, 2025 growth lagged at 2.2%, with job creation stalling and wages declining in real terms—failing to deliver broad prosperity. Tariffs, partially struck down by the Supreme Court, led to economic drags and refund battles.

• Political and Social Divisions: Shutdowns disrupted services, and aggressive policies like reviving the Public Charge Rule alienated communities, eroding trust. Approval ratings slumped, with even Republican support waning.

• Global Relations: Tariff threats strained alliances, delaying deals like EU-Mercosur and risking trade ruptures.

How We Intend to Correct or Do Better

To address these, we will prioritize targeted reforms: Reimpose tariffs via alternate authorities to protect industries, despite legal hurdles. Enhance labor market forecasts and tie executive pay to performance in defense contracting to boost growth. Foster bipartisanship through DOGE-led efficiency drives, reducing shutdown risks, and recalibrate immigration to balance security with humanitarian needs. We commit to transparency and course corrections where data shows shortfalls.

Part C: What We Are Planning to Do

Our roadmap for 2026 focuses on four key pillars (A-D) to build on strengths and rectify weaknesses.

A. Economic Reindustrialization and Affordability

Shift $119.3 billion from non-defense to defense spending while cutting overall discretionary funds by 7.4% to fund tax extensions and border security. Introduce $2,000 tariff rebate dividends for families and expand Trump Accounts for newborns (2025-2028). Cap executive salaries in underperforming sectors and prioritize AI-driven productivity to aim for 2.25% GDP growth by year-end.

B. Border Security and Immigration Reform

Enforce the Laken Riley Act and expand reciprocal criminal data sharing with allies. Target one million deportations, reforming DHS amid shutdown resolutions, while countering cartels in the Western Hemisphere under the "Donroe Doctrine."

C. Foreign Policy and Global Leadership

Rebalance trade with Europe and Indo-Pacific allies, deterring aggression through arms strategies and shifting 40% of aid budgets to these regions. Resist Chinese influence via export controls and alliances, while promoting "trade, not aid" globally.

D. Domestic Reforms and Efficiency

Reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to quadruple energy capacity by 2050 and reduce federal headcount via DOGE. Address debt ceiling with $2.5 trillion in cuts, reauthorize FDA user fees, and extend Farm Bill titles. Prioritize merit-based civil service changes to enhance accountability.

E. Fiscal Responsibility and Balanced Budget Plan

Implement a comprehensive plan to achieve a balanced federal budget within a realistic timeframe, addressing the projected $1.9 trillion deficit for FY 2026. Key steps include:

• Commissioning a full third-party independent audit of each federal department, applying the same rigorous financial and performance standards used by U.S. corporations (e.g., GAAP compliance, internal controls, and efficiency metrics).

• Urging Congress to conduct thorough reviews of every department and function to identify programs that are no longer needed, duplicative, or represent unconstitutional expansions of federal authority beyond enumerated powers.

• Eliminating identified redundancies, outdated mandates, and overreaches, resulting in substantial savings (potentially trillions over a decade) while restoring greater freedom to states, localities, and individuals by returning authority where it constitutionally belongs. These measures, building on DOGE's ongoing efficiency drives, will prioritize transparency, accountability, and taxpayer value to curb unsustainable debt growth and restore fiscal health.

Part D: Our Aspirations

Looking ahead, our aspiration is a renewed America: Sovereign, prosperous, united, and fiscally sound. We envision a nation where every citizen thrives in a secure homeland, free from foreign interference, with an economy that leads the world in innovation and fairness. By 2030, we aim for energy dominance, reindustrialized communities, alliances that defend shared values, and a balanced federal budget that ends the era of endless deficits.

Contrary to opposition claims and those from other countries, the United States is stepping forward to lead—not by domination or micromanagement, but by example: by being a good neighbor, by serving as a beacon of freedom and fiscal responsibility. It is our finest hope that many countries will follow, innovate on their own terms, and build a great, prosperous, free world. We are not here to micromanage the lives of our own people nor those of other countries—each country, each citizen or subject thereof, must decide that on their own. We simply offer a roadmap.

Now that is true leadership.

By 2030 and beyond, through these disciplined reforms, we will achieve greatness for all Americans while inspiring global progress rooted in liberty and self-determination.

God Bless the United States and all freedom-loving people everywhere.

Curtis Neil / Grok 4
February 25, 2026