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Record-length address highlights partisan tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday, lasting one hour and 47 minutes-nearly 20 minutes longer than the previous record set by Bill Clinton. The speech, marked by triumphant rhetoric and sharp partisan exchanges, unfolded against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions and domestic political battles.
Economic claims and border security
Trump declared the U.S. economy "roaring like never before" and asserted the country now boasts "the strongest and most secure border in American history." He framed his presidency as a transformative era, claiming the U.S. had evolved from a nation "in crisis" to the "hottest" country on Earth. These statements drew mixed reactions from lawmakers, with Republicans applauding while Democrats largely remained silent.
Iran and Supreme Court tensions take center stage
On foreign policy, Trump issued a warning to Iran, accusing Tehran of developing missiles capable of threatening Europe and soon the U.S. He claimed at least 20,000 protesters had been killed in Iran's recent crackdown and accused its leaders of pursuing "sinister nuclear ambitions." An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the remarks as "blatant falsehoods."
The address also underscored lingering tensions with the U.S. Supreme Court. Only four of the nine justices attended the speech, a departure from tradition following the court's recent ruling against Trump's global tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Elena Kagan, and Brett Kavanaugh were present. Trump shook Roberts' hand but exchanged a stoic glance, later calling the court's decision "disappointing" and "unfortunate." Cameras captured Barrett, a Trump appointee, sitting emotionless as the president criticized the ruling.
Partisan clashes and protests dominate the night
The speech devolved into a series of confrontations between Trump and Democratic lawmakers. Dozens of Democrats skipped the address entirely, attending rallies in Washington instead. Inside the chamber, rows of empty seats on the Democratic side were visible throughout the night.
Representative Al Greene of Texas was escorted out after holding up a sign reading, "Black people aren't apes!"-a reference to a racist video Trump had previously shared and deleted. Greene was also removed from last year's address for similar protests. Meanwhile, Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan repeatedly interrupted Trump, shouting accusations of lying during his remarks on immigration and Minnesota's Somali-American communities.
In a moment designed to highlight partisan divisions, Trump asked lawmakers to stand if they agreed that "the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." Republicans rose to their feet while Democrats remained seated, prompting Trump to taunt them: "You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up."
Patriotism, awards, and Olympic celebrations
Amid the political fireworks, Trump struck a more unifying tone during segments celebrating American achievements. The U.S. men's hockey team, fresh off their Olympic gold medal victory, made a dramatic entrance into the chamber, descending from the press gallery to chants of "U-S-A, U-S-A." Trump announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. He also acknowledged the women's hockey team, who won gold but could not attend, promising they would soon visit the White House.
The president awarded Purple Heart medals to two National Guard members injured in a Washington, D.C. shooting last year-Andrew Wolfe, who survived, and the family of Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed. He also posthumously honored political activist Charlie Kirk, whose widow, Erika, was present. Additionally, Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover, a helicopter pilot wounded during a U.S. military operation to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Democratic response questions Trump's priorities
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the official Democratic response, framing the speech as a missed opportunity. She urged Americans to ask three questions: Was Trump making life more affordable? Was he keeping the country safe? And was he working for ordinary citizens? Her answer to all three was a resounding "no."
The address concluded with Trump invoking the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations later this year, blending patriotic appeals with his signature combative style. The night underscored the deepening political divide as the U.S. heads toward midterm elections that could shift control of Congress.
