Axios

President Trump hailed the U.S. intelligence-assisted security operation in Mexico that killed the drug lord known as "El Mencho" during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, saying: "We've ... taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins."

The big picture: Officials working to combat drug trafficking have had a successful week, with prosecutors in Florida announcing charges against a suspected leader of another terrorist-designated cartel.

Almost from the moment Trump entered the House chamber Tuesday night to deliver his State of the Union address, Democrats began to disrupt. It only deteriorated from there.

Why it matters: It's the new normal for presidential speeches to Congress, with Republicans heckling Democratic presidents and vice versa.

President Trump said on Tuesday he believes tariff revenues could one day "replace" U.S. income tax, the government's primary revenue source.

Why it matters: Customs duties fall well short of the trillions of dollars that Americans pay in taxes each year — income taxes generated roughly 13 times more revenue than tariffs did in the latest fiscal year.

Roughly half of House and Senate Democrats skipped President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday, an Axios headcount found.

Why it matters: The massive boycott represents a shift in American political norms as the party's grassroots have pressed lawmakers to be more partisan and less conciliatory towards Republicans.

President Trump used his State of the Union address to prod Congress to codify his "most favored nation" plan to bring U.S. drug prices in line with what other developed nations pay.

Why it matters: Trump made clear he is comfortable making health care a prominent feature of Republicans' midterm election plans, despite misgivings among some in his party and the GOP's vulnerability on affordability.

President Trump during the State of the Union on Tuesday revealed he is awarding Connor Hellebuyck, the Team USA goalie who helped the men's Olympic hockey team win gold at the 2026 games, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Why it matters: The award is considered the U.S. government's highest civilian honor and is usually presented to recognize a lifetime of significant achievements in the arts, public service, science, or other fields, per the Library of Congress.

A House Republican who has been at the forefront of transparency efforts around the Jeffrey Epstein files ia planning to display her support for the late convicted sex offender's victims during Trump's State of the Union, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Trump isn't expected to mention Epstein during the address, but Democrats are trying to ensure the issue looms large Tuesday night.

President Trump is signaling that tax cuts will be the centerpiece of his State of the Union address Tuesday night — and the cornerstone of his legislative agenda for the rest of the year.

Why it matters: In theory, House Republicans are enthusiastic about another round of tax cuts in a potential second reconciliation package.

• In practice, many of them want to see the specifics of Trump's tax-cut proposals before fully endorsing them.

The Trump administration is considering requiring banks to collect proof of citizenship from customers via an executive order, multiple outlets reported on Tuesday.

The big picture: In addition to President Trump's expansive deportation efforts, his administration has escalated efforts over the past year to cut off noncitizens from access to jobs, aid and financial services.

• It's unclear whether these efforts, or a possible ban on holding bank accounts, might apply even to noncitizens authorized to live and work in the U.S.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is placing an early and aggressive bet on Alaska: a $1 million investment to build out the party's on-the-ground infrastructure, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The money is clear evidence that Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is convinced his path to the majority runs through Alaska — and that his plans are broader than just flooding the airwaves with TV ads.