Summary
Highlights
President Trump celebrates the men's Olympic hockey team for their gold medal win, particularly praising goalie Connor Halabuk, who will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.
Trump attributes the nation's economic success, including record stock market highs, to his tariff policies, asserting that foreign countries are now paying billions and that these tariffs could eventually replace income tax. He addresses a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, stating that new legal statutes will ensure their continuation.
The President recounts the heroic actions of Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskin, who saved 165 lives, including 11-year-old Millie Kate Mlan, during a devastating flood in Texas. Ruskin is awarded the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism.
Trump pledges to protect Social Security and Medicare, highlighting a significant increase in 401k balances. He announces a new retirement plan for forgotten American workers with a matching contribution of up to $1,000 annually and calls for the 'Stop Insider Trading Act' to prevent corrupt profits by members of Congress.
The President emphasizes that the primary duty of the American government is to protect its citizens, not illegal aliens. He calls for an end to sanctuary cities and proposes the 'Save America Act' to prevent unpermitted persons from voting, mandating voter ID, proof of citizenship, and restricting mail-in ballots.
Trump pays tribute to Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckram, who was killed defending the capital, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf, who miraculously recovered from a severe head injury sustained in the same attack. Both are honored with the Purple Heart, presented to Sarah's parents and Andrew himself.
He describes a successful military operation against Nicholas Maduro in Venezuela, crediting it with a new beginning for the Venezuelan people. Alejandro Gonzalez is introduced, whose uncle Enrique was a political prisoner released due to this intervention and is reunited with his niece at the event.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover is honored for his extraordinary bravery during the Venezuela raid, where, despite being severely wounded, he skillfully landed his Chinook helicopter to protect his team. He is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
President Trump acknowledges Navy fighter pilot Royce Williams, a 100-year-old veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Williams is recognized for an incredible dogfight in 1952 where he single-handedly engaged seven Soviet fighter planes, an achievement kept secret for over 50 years. He is presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor.