Trump hails economy and threatens Iran in longest-ever State of the Union
BBC update
US President Donald Trump hailed his first year back in the White House as he delivered the longest-ever State of the Union speech to Congress.
Economy: In an address lasting almost one hour and 50 minutes, he repeatedly pushed his economic agenda, saying he had overseen a "turnaround for the ages."
Iran: Trump said his "preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy" but warned the country against pursuing a nuclear weapons programme,
Tariffs: After briefly shaking hands with several Supreme Court justices in attendance, he went on declare their recent tariffs ruling "very unfortunate."
Democrats' response: Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's governor, said the president "offered no real solutions to our nation's pressing challenges."
Anthony Zurcher analysis: At a time when polls suggest many in the US are dissatisfied with the current state of the nation – and with Trump's leadership of it – the president offered little hint of a change of course.
Medals and Honours
Trump used his State of the Union address to praise "extraordinary American patriots", announcing several Medals and Honors.
Here's who was recognised:
Royce Williams – 100-year-old veteran Navy fighter pilot, who downed four Soviet aircraft in the
Korean War, received the Congressional Medal of Honor
Scott Ruskan – Coast Guard rescue swimmer, credited with helping save more than 160 people from floodwaters in Texas last year, received the Legion of Merit for Extraordinary Heroism
Andrew Wolfe – National Guardsman shot in Washington DC in November, received a Purple Heart, a top military award
The family of Sarah Beckstrom – who was shot dead while on patrol in Washington DC, also received the Purple Heart
Eric Slover – Helicopter pilot who was shot four times during the military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, received the Medal of Honor
Connor Hellebuyck – Olympic Gold-winning Hockey Team USA goaltender, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, although this will be presented at a later date
Trump commended many others, including another 100-year-old World War Two veteran Buddy Taggart. He also singled out Erika Kirk, the wife of murdered right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who he said "was responsible for a large growth in religious belief".
