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Trump Honors Michigan Olympic Hero, Defends Tariff Policy in State of the Union
President Donald Trump celebrated American economic achievements and outlined his policy vision Tuesday night in a nearly two-hour State of the Union address that highlighted Michigan connections while making several misleading claims about the economy and immigration.
In a moment of bipartisan applause, Trump announced he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Michigan native Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the U.S. men’s hockey team that recently captured gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well,” Trump said of Hellebuyck, who hails from Commerce Township and blocked 41 shots during the gold medal victory over Canada.
The hockey team’s presence in the House chamber drew a standing ovation from lawmakers across the aisle. Michigan Republican Rep. Lisa McClain, the House Conference Chair, was heard shouting “Love you!” as the team was recognized.
At least 11 athletes with Michigan ties won gold medals at the 2026 Games, including Jack Hughes, who scored the decisive “golden goal” for the men’s hockey team. While the women’s team also won gold, they declined Trump’s invitation to attend, citing scheduling conflicts.
The president used much of his address to defend his controversial tariff policies, just days after the Supreme Court struck down his emergency declaration-based import taxes.
“It’s saving our country, the kind of money we’re taking in,” Trump claimed, though economists dispute this characterization. The Congressional Budget Office had estimated his tariffs would raise about $300 billion annually – not enough to offset his $4.7 trillion tax cut package or make a significant dent in last year’s $1.78 trillion deficit.
Trump vowed to continue implementing tariffs through alternative legal means, calling the Supreme Court ruling “very unfortunate.” This stance has particular significance for Michigan’s economy, which is heavily dependent on cross-border trade with Canada.
“We want smart, consistent trade policies that create jobs, protect our relationship with Canada and lower prices,” said John Sellek, spokesperson for the Michigan Smart Trade Alliance, which includes the state retailers association. “We hope Congress enacts trade policies that work for Michigan and that provide businesses the predictability they need to plan and grow.”
Trump’s claim that foreign countries pay for his tariffs was contradicted by multiple economic studies. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Harvard economists, and others have concluded that U.S. firms and consumers bear nearly all costs. Hiblow USA Inc. of Saline previously told the Supreme Court it expected to pay up to $2 million in tariffs last year on air pumps imported from Japan.
The president also made several misleading statements about tariff revenues, asserting they would “substantially replace the modern day system of income tax.” In reality, tariff revenues accounted for less than 4% of federal income last year, while income and payroll taxes generated 84% of government revenue.
On domestic policy, Trump touted his “Great Healthcare Plan,” which proposes sending money directly to Americans in health savings accounts – an approach Democrats have criticized as an inadequate substitute for Affordable Care Act tax credits. He also falsely claimed to have cut drug prices by “300%, 400%, 500%, 600% and more,” which economists note is mathematically impossible since a reduction greater than 100% would mean companies paying consumers to take medication.
The president highlighted his administration’s immigration policies, claiming “zero illegal aliens have been admitted to the United States” in the past nine months. Border arrests have indeed plummeted to their lowest levels since the 1960s, with January’s tally of 6,070 arrests along the Mexican border representing the lowest annualized rate since 1967.
Trump’s economic claims included assertions that “incomes are rising fast,” despite after-tax incomes rising just 0.9% in 2025 after adjusting for inflation – the smallest annual gain since 2022. He also claimed gas prices are below $2.30 per gallon “in most states,” though AAA data showed the national average at $2.95 on Tuesday, with Michigan at $2.91.
The night was not without tension. Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas was escorted out early in the speech for holding a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!” Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Detroit was seen shouting at Trump during his immigration remarks.
In the chamber, lawmakers’ reactions split along party lines, with Republicans standing to cheer Trump’s signature tax legislation while Democrats remained seated. The president’s speech highlighted the deep partisan divides that continue to define American politics as he enters the second year of his term.
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12 Comments
The President’s defense of tariff policy is interesting. While it may have protected some domestic industries, the impacts on consumers and global trade have been debated. I wonder what the net effects have been on the US economy.
That’s a good point. Tariffs can be a blunt instrument – they have pros and cons that are worth examining closely. It will be interesting to see how this policy evolves going forward.
It’s great to see bipartisan recognition for the Michigan Olympians. Sports can bring people together, even in these divisive times. Hopefully this can set a tone of unity and national pride.
Agreed, celebrating athletic achievement is one of the few things that seems to transcend party lines these days. Moments like this are a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.
The Michigan Olympians are truly inspirational. It’s great to see them honored on a national stage. Their hard work and dedication is a testament to the state’s athletic prowess.
Absolutely, Michigan is a powerhouse when it comes to producing world-class athletes. These gold medalists are role models for the next generation of sports stars.
Interesting to see the President’s take on the economy and trade. While the tariffs may have helped some industries, the downstream impacts on consumers and global markets are complex. I’m curious to see more data on the net effects.
That’s a fair assessment. Economic policy is always a delicate balance, with tradeoffs to consider. It will be important to closely evaluate the real-world impacts as this plays out.
The President’s defense of his tariff policy is understandable, but the impacts are complex. While it may have helped some domestic industries, the costs to consumers and the ripple effects on global trade are important factors to consider.
That’s a fair point. Economic policy is rarely black and white, and unintended consequences can emerge. It will be crucial to thoroughly evaluate the real-world impacts of these trade measures.
Great to see the President recognize Michigan’s Olympic heroes. Hellebuyck’s performance was truly incredible – he was a brick wall in net. Hockey is such an important part of Michigan’s sports culture.
Absolutely, Michigan is a hotbed for hockey talent. The men’s and women’s teams both bringing home gold is a huge accomplishment.