President Donald Trump brought his signature bravado back to the stage in Michigan, revving up his 2026 campaign energy with sharp jabs at Joe Biden.
While the President took a victory lap over how he perceives his economic record, he also mocked Biden, who has been diagnosed with cancer
"High as a kite": Trump Mocks Biden’s Final State of the Union
Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday, Trump was expected to zero in on the economy - but he couldn’t resist turning his attention to his predecessor.
"You ever notice Joe would cough before his speech?" Trump quipped, before mimicking Biden’s throat-clear with a series of exaggerated, guttural groans, per the Daily Mail.
He then took aim at Biden’s 2024 State of the Union performance: "One time they had him spruced up pretty good," Trump said. "He was high as a kite. He was floating. He was up there, way up. That was a bad speech."
The former president didn’t stop at mocking Biden’s delivery. He also criticized the 83-year-old’s subdued tone during his final year in office, contrasting it with his own freewheeling style.
"I go off teleprompter 80 percent of the time," Trump said. "Isn't it nice to have a president who can go off teleprompter?"
Trump Claims Record-Breaking Global Investments Under His Watch
Switching gears, Trump then leaned into his self-proclaimed economic wins, drawing a bold line between his agenda and Biden’s.
"In four years of Biden, they secured less than $1 trillion of new investment in the United States," he said. "In less than one year, I have secured commitments for over $18 trillion dollars from all over the world - the most ever for any country."
He continued with a breakdown of how wages have changed: "After real wages plummeted by $3,000 under sleepy Joe Biden, real wages are up by $1,300 in less than one year under President Trump. For construction workers, wages are up $1,800... factory workers, over $2,000 - and for many other workers, over $5,000!"
Red Carpet Campaign Style: Lee Greenwood, the Village People, and Fist Pumps
The event had all the hallmarks of a classic Trump rally. As “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood blared through the speakers, Trump strolled onstage with a grin.
And when it was time to exit, he grooved to the Village People’s 'YMCA,' capping off his appearance with his trademark fist-pumping dance.
Over the 45-minute speech, Trump shifted seamlessly between domestic wins, foreign policy plans, and blistering attacks on political rivals.
Trump Declares Inflation "Defeated," Targets Fed Chair Jerome Powell
"Inflation is defeated," Trump announced, pointing to a recent report showing the rate sitting at 2.7 percent.
While the Federal Reserve typically aims to keep inflation at 2 percent annually, this marked a significant drop from the 9 percent peak seen under Biden in June 2022.
But Trump wasn’t done taking names.
"That jerk will be gone soon," he said, referring to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Powell is now under a criminal investigation by Trump’s Justice Department, allegedly tied to his testimony about the costly renovation of the Fed’s D.C. headquarters.
Critics claim the probe is politically motivated, linked to Powell’s refusal to cave to Trump’s demands for lower interest rates.
Powell responded in a video address, saying: "This unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration's threats and ongoing pressure."
The renovation project is reportedly on track to become the most expensive building upgrade in the history of Washington, D.C.