Trump promises growth as figures remain mixed

US President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address amid growing tensions over Iran and mounting dissatisfaction among Americans with the high cost of living. He devoted much of his speech to the economy, addressing housing, energy prices and pensions, and asserting that inflation and fuel prices are falling while markets and investment are rising.

At the same time, he avoided directly acknowledging that many households continue to struggle with high food and housing costs. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that more than half of voters disapprove of his economic policies.

The speech was sharply partisan in tone. Trump attacked the Democrats and urged voters to keep Republicans in control of Congress.

He did not address Iran in detail until the second half of the speech and outlined no specific plan for further action. The war in Ukraine was mentioned only in passing.

(reuters, mja)