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Politics expert Brent Nelsen reacts to State of the Union address

Brent Nelsen, Department of Politics and International Affairs.

Last updated March 27, 2026


Tina T. Underwood

Furman University’s Brent Nelsen, a regular guest on FOX Carolina News, spoke with anchor Justin Dougherty following President Trump’s State of the Union address Feb. 24.

Nelsen, the Jane Fishburne Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs, commented on key talking points in the nearly two-hour speech. He noted that the midterm election season likely shaped President Trump’s approach where he “baits the opposition,” drawing jeers from one side of the chamber. Nelsen commented on the build-up of weaponry outside Iran and the mystery surrounding U.S. goals there, as well as Trump’s tariff policy and how the president will move forward in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

 

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