Trump says countries are 'happy' with tariffs as he attacks old foes in longest State of the Union

Despite Democrats walking out, holding signs, and verbally clashing in the chamber, Mr Trump maintained a triumphant tone in his speech, arguing that he had rebuilt a country ruined by Joe Biden

Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union. Picture: AP

Donald Trump proclaimed his first year in office a success at the State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, even as his presidency is dogged by low public approval ratings before November’s midterm elections in which voters could hand control of Congress back to his Democratic opponents.

The annual address to a joint session of Congress came after months of turmoil for the Republican president, including a crackdown on immigrant communities in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two US citizens, and faltering progress on his campaign promise of lowering the cost of living.