'Trump is the president of instability and uncertainty, increasingly to his own detriment'

Donald Trump at the Capitol in Washington, February 24, 2026. KENNY HOLSTON/THE NEW YORK TIMES / AFP

T

he choreography is familiar. The president of the United States advances to cheers from his supporters after being formally announced by the sergeant at arms of the House of Representatives. He then claims that the country's situation has greatly improved since he took office, acknowledges the presence in the galleries of guests invited to illustrate his points, while his opponents make it clear they believe precisely the opposite.

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