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- [00:06]
Donald Trump
And for all of these reasons, I say tonight, members of Congress, the state of our Union is strong.
- [00:15]
Hannah Jewell
President Donald Trump delivered a defiant State of the Union address. That's where we're starting the seven from the Washington Post, I'm Hannah Jewell. It's Wednesday, February 25th. Let's get you caught up with today's seven stor. President Trump's address to Congress last night began with an optimistic tone. He talked positively about the economy and American success at the Olympics. And he said the country was the hottest and that everyone was winning. But after about an hour of that sunny outlook, Trump's speech took a turn.
- [00:54]
Donald Trump
One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans the chance to see clearly what their representatives are really believe. So tonight, I'm inviting every legislature to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.
- [01:28]
Hannah Jewell
Republicans Speak stood and applauded for more than a minute while Trump shook his head and sighed at the Democratic side of the chamber. After that, Trump took a more familiar, darker tone.
- [01:40]
Donald Trump
Isn't that ashamed? You should be ashamed of yourself. Not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself. That is why I'm also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact.
- [01:55]
Hannah Jewell
That's Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib shouting back at Trump. You have killed Americans. Among other things.
- [02:04]
Donald Trump
They're blocking the removal of these people out of our country, and you should be ashamed of yourself.
- [02:13]
Hannah Jewell
Last night's speech came as Trump is facing strong headwinds. Polling shows that a majority of voters disapprove of the way he's approaching every single one of his priority issues. And in November, his party is at risk of losing control of Congress. We asked more than 2,000Americans about the best and worst things President Trump has done. That's number two. Ahead of last night's State of the Union address, we wanted to get a better idea of which of Trump's actions have stood out to the public. In a poll of about 2,300 people by the Post, ABC News, and Ipsos, people who support Trump were asked to describe his best actions, while those who disapprove were asked to name his worst actions. Each group's top answers mirrored the other. About 8 in 10Americans who approve of Trump cited immigration policies as his best action. But the 57% majority of Americans who disapprove of Trump cited immigration policies as his worst actions as president. There's a lot more to unpack from this poll. You can find our story with graphs and messages from respondents in our newsletter today. Number three A Republican lawmaker privately questioned Trump's demolition of the East Wing of the White House. Republican leaders were quick to defend Trump last year after he tore down the east wing. The demolition was to make way for Trump's planned ballroom. But behind the scenes there was more Republican resistance to the demolition than has previously been reported. In an October letter, Representative Michael Turner of Ohio told a White House official that Americans found images of the demolition project disturbing. Turner went on to say that he had substantial concerns and demanded answers about how the decision was made. The communication adds to our understanding of concerns voiced by members of Congress and preservationists over Trump's project. A judge is currently weighing a legal challenge to the ballroom construction. Four. The family of Nancy Guthrie offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her recovery or an arrest. Nancy Guthrie is the 84 year old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie. She went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home 25 days ago. In a tearful video yesterday, Savannah Guthrie said the family realized their mother may no longer be alive but still hoped to bring her home. She pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, tell what you know, and help us bring our beloved mom home so that we can either celebrate a glorious, miraculous homecoming or celebrate the beautiful, brave and courageous and noble life that she has lived. This case has drawn intense global interest. Despite an avalanche of tips and extensive searches, authorities have not found their suspect, who was seen on doorbell camera footage at Guthrie's home. He is described as a man around 5ft 9 inches tall with an average build. A snowball fight in New York City has become a political flashpoint. That's our fifth story. Friendly snowball fights, at times involving police officers, have become a staple of living in big US Cities after snowfall. But in New York, what started as a joyous occasion in Washington Square park on Monday quickly morphed into a political firestorm. Viral videos showed police officers responding to the snowball fight. Then residents pelted officers with snow and ice. That audio comes from a video by Javier Centeno via Specti and the apartment. The New York Police Department's union shared it, calling the incident a deliberate, outrageous and dangerous attack on uniformed police officers. According to police, as many as four officers were taken to the hospital with face lacerations. Within hours of the videos appearing on social media, the matter became an issue for Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Police leaders called on the mayor to condemn the incident, and some local Republicans even tried to blame Mamdani. The mayor responded in a post saying that officers should be treated with respect. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement Monday night that criminal investigations are underway. Number 6 Most teens believe their peers are using AI to cheat in school. According to a new study from the Pew Research center, the kids are using AI. About 2/3 of them told Pew they had used a chatbot. And the majority of American teenagers believe students at their school are using the technology to cheat somewhat or very often. Some experts worry that without proper guardrails, teenagers are becoming dependent on AI. In another finding, more than 1 in 10 teens use AI for emotional support or advice. One researcher told the Post that young people who are dependent on AI may lose faith in their abilities without it. And at number seven an all or nothing mindset could be hurting your exercise and health goals. If you have given up on your New Year's fitness resolutions, you're not alone. Michelle Seager, an academic researcher and fitness coach, says about half of all people who start a new exercise program quit within a few months, if not weeks. She wanted to know why, so in a new study, she and her colleagues spoke to lapsed exercisers. They discovered a frequent tendency toward all or nothing thinking. People were setting goals that were too ambitious or too rigid, and if they strayed from them, they gave up completely. If they could only work out for 15 minutes, the thinking goes, why work out at all? If this sounds like you, there are some simple ways to get back on track. First and foremost, choose good enough over perfect. Even a few minutes of exercise can make a big difference. That's inspiring advice, isn't it? I probably won't be taking it today. Alright, you're all caught up. But before you go, a reminder that if you're a subscriber to the Washington Post, you can get access to our shows ad free in Apple Podcasts. All you have to do is find the Washington Post channel in Apple Podcasts and connect your Post subscription. Then sit back, relax and enjoy not hearing any ads. If you're not a subscriber, this is a great time to start. You can sign up at our channel and Apple Podcasts or through the link in our Show Notes or go to washingtonpost.com subscribe I'm Hannah Jewell. I'll meet you back here tomorrow. Right now, during the President's Day Sale, you can get a Washington Post Premium subscription for just $3 every four weeks and that includes three extra accounts to share with friends or family after your first year. Renews at $19 every four weeks. The Washington Post Power Perspective Premium learn more@washingtonpost.com subscribe.