The Briefing Trump’s State of the Union address. Plus: Milano Fashion Week
Feb 25, 2026
Grace Charlton, Monocle’s design and fashion editor reporting from Milan Fashion Week. Liana Fix, CFR senior fellow on European security and German rearmament. Ewan Potts, Bloomberg business reporter with market and corporate updates. H.J. Mai, Washington reporter covering Trump’s State of the Union. They discuss Trump’s long address and political framing. German defence shifts and risks for Europe. Milano shows, front-row culture and key designer debuts.
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Theatrics Used To Recast Democrats On Immigration
- Trump used theatrical moments to attack Democrats on immigration and crime, aiming to paint them as soft on foreigners over Americans.
- H.J. Mai highlighted specific calls-out in the chamber, including demanding Democrats stand for his immigration line.
No New Signal On Potential Action Near Iran
- On the Iran naval buildup, Trump reiterated diplomacy first but left military options open without new specifics.
- H.J. Mai said the president again framed himself as a peacemaker while offering no fresh Middle East plan.
Germany's Defense Buildup Will Reshape European Power
- Germany's defence spending surge under Chancellor Friedrich Merz is transforming it into a top global military spender by 2029.
- Liana Fix warned spending will reach €162bn by 2029, roughly matching current French and UK budgets combined, reshaping European balance.