Trump gives State of the Union 2026 speech as NBC News fact-checks
A Year in Review: Trump’s Promises and Their Current Status
As the nation gears up for another joint address from President Donald Trump, it’s worth revisiting some of the promises he made last year. These pledges spanned national security, economic reform, and international relations, reflecting Trump’s ambitious agenda for his administration. However, the past year has seen varying degrees of progress on these promises, with some achievements, several unmet goals, and others caught in complicated legal battles.
Panama Canal: A Promise Unfulfilled
In his address last year, Trump declared, “To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it.” While the administration has indeed expressed concerns about China’s influence in the canal, no concrete steps have been taken to “reclaim” it, and Trump has since largely avoided the topic. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Panama underscored these concerns but lacked any actionable measures.
The Federal Workforce and Bureaucracy
Trump’s vow to reclaim power from the “unaccountable bureaucracy” by “draining the swamp” led to the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite laying off thousands of federal employees, the initiative was short-lived, ending in November. In an ironic twist, the administration rehired many employees to ensure that essential functions could continue, highlighting the challenges of drastically cutting bureaucracy.
Economic Pledges: A Mixed Bag
Trump aimed to “defeat inflation” and “bring down mortgage rates.” While annual inflation has decreased from 3% to 2.4%, it remains a far cry from being “defeated.” Mortgage rates have seen a slight decline, dipping below 6% for the first time in three years. However, the situation with car payments is less favorable, as they continue to rise, despite provisions in Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” allowing interest deductions on new car loans.
Balancing the Budget: Ongoing Challenges
The promise to balance the federal budget remains unfulfilled. Despite Trump’s enthusiastic social media posts, such as “BALANCE BUDGET NOW??? LETS GIVE IT A SHOT. LOTS OF MONEY COMING IN FROM TARIFFS. DO IT,” the administration has yet to achieve this goal. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn key tariffs has further complicated this effort.
Tariffs and Legal Hurdles
Trump’s implementation of reciprocal tariffs was intended to level the playing field for American goods, generating $130 billion in revenue. However, the Supreme Court ruled against his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify these tariffs, leading to their rollback. In response, Trump has utilized Section 122 to impose temporary global tariffs, pledging further action.
Cracking Down on Mexican Cartels
The administration’s hardline stance on Mexican cartels appears to have yielded some results. Trump boasted about Mexican authorities handing over “29 of the biggest cartel leaders” due to U.S. tariff policies. The recent death of “El Mencho,” a notorious cartel leader, marks a significant development in this area, although it has spurred violence in Mexico.
Promises Achieved: Tax Cuts and Social Security
Not all of Trump’s promises remain unfulfilled. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” saw the introduction of tax cuts for working families and seniors, along with no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits for seniors. These measures offer some relief to Americans amid ongoing economic challenges.
Infrastructure and Defense: Progress and Setbacks
Trump’s dream of a massive natural gas pipeline in Alaska remains largely aspirational. Despite negotiations with Asian nations and some progress by energy firms, the project is far from realization. Similarly, the establishment of an “Office of Shipbuilding” has been absorbed into existing government structures, and the “Golden Dome” missile defense system is still under development.
Greenland: From Acquisition to Military Presence
Trump’s bold statement about welcoming Greenland into the United States has shifted to a more pragmatic approach. Instead of pursuing outright acquisition, the focus has turned to establishing a military presence on the island, though significant hurdles remain.
Conclusion
A year after making these promises, Trump’s track record shows a mix of achievements, ongoing efforts, and unfulfilled goals. While some initiatives have seen progress, others face legal challenges or remain stagnant. As Trump prepares for his upcoming address, the nation will be watching closely to see how he plans to navigate these complex issues moving forward.