Christmas decorations – lush green and twinkling whites – lifted the room but Trump’s tone was cheerless as he began Wednesday night’s formal address to the nation. Instead, it was a parade of old promises and boasts, a glowing summary of the achievements of the first year. But still, it felt like one of those US presidential appearances that will frame a moment in time. If there was a time when Trump’s base would have delighted in the irreverence and trolling of enemies and predecessors, it has passed. We are poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen.”By Trump’s standards, the speech was historically brief.

Source: The Irish Times December 18, 2025 11:36 UTC