US President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in US history at one hour and 47 minutes, focusing on economic issues at a politically sensitive time when his approval ratings are declining as the midterm elections approach.
In his first official State of the Union address of his second term, President Trump claimed that the United States had achieved what he called a “generational transition,” and the speech went down in history as the longest presidential address to Congress in modern times.
“After just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved transformations unlike anything anyone has seen before,” he said.
“Golden Age” based on political issues
In his speech to Congress inside the Capitol, President Trump spoke at length about what he called “America’s Golden Age,” touting his success in lowering drug prices, curbing inflation, achieving record stock market levels and passing widespread tax cuts.
But the speech came amid a tense political atmosphere, with opinion polls showing his approval rating has fallen to around 40%, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll, and concerns over his tariff policies growing after the Supreme Court struck down most of the import taxes he imposed.
Despite his focus on foreign policy during his first year in power, the president did not mention Iran until about 90 minutes in, gave no clear direction on possible military action, and stressed that he would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, and the first hour of his speech did not devote much space to international material.
The economy is a focus of partisan conflict
President Trump spent much of his speech talking about the economy, noting that the stock market had hit 53 new record levels since the start of his second term, and announcing a plan for federal contributions of up to $1,000 a year to help some workers with their retirement savings.
He focused primarily on economic issues, believing his administration had succeeded in turning the page on the “recession and high inflation” the country experienced under his predecessor Joe Biden.
He noted that core inflation fell to 1.7% in the final quarter of 2025, confirming that fuel prices have fallen below $2.30 per gallon in most states and as low as $1.85 in some areas.
He also praised what he called “big, beautiful legislation” that includes expanded child tax credits and tax exemptions for tips and overtime pay.
But investors thought the speech did not provide clear reassurance about the future of tariffs and trade policy.
Liz Schuler, president of the American Federation of Labor, said the speech was “out of touch with the economic reality that workers are experiencing,” given the administration’s privileges for big corporations at the expense of Americans.
Tariffs and the Supreme Court battle
President Trump strongly defended his tariff policies despite a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated emergency laws that imposed broad tariffs on trading partners. He called the decision “unfortunate” and vowed to explore other legal avenues to implement his business plan.
President Trump entered the courtroom past a number of Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, in a scene that reflected the tensions that exist between the executive and judicial branches.
Tension and disruption in the venue
There were tense moments during the speech, including Democratic Rep. Al Green, who was removed from the venue after holding up a banner that read “Black people are not monkeys” in protest of past controversial posts.
President Trump has repeatedly blamed illegal immigrants for rising crime rates, despite research to the contrary. As he was praising his immigration policies, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar interrupted him with cheers, describing him as a “liar” and a “murderer” for talking about the Minnesota-related fraud case.
Criticism of the Democratic Party
He also criticized Democrats again, calling them “crazy,” while many Democrats remained seated without applauding. “The first duty of the American government is to protect its people, not illegal immigrants,” he said, prompting Republicans to repeatedly stand up and salute, adding, “They should be ashamed.”
Democratic response: “Lies and diversions.”
In her response letter, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger presented a different picture of the economic situation, given the high costs Americans are suffering from President Trump’s tariff policies.
Spanberger said the president had “lyed, accused and diverted” and accused the administration of sowing domestic chaos, moving closer to Russia and China and threatening war with Iran without real solutions to domestic challenges.
Notable scenes and honors
The speech also featured a symbolic moment when President Trump awarded six medals, including the Medal of Honor, to 100-year-old Korean War veteran and retired pilot Royce Williams. Soldiers who participated in the operation against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro were also honored, as were National Guard officers and the post-Olympic gold medal-winning goalie for the U.S. hockey team.
He also joked to the audience that he had wanted to award himself a medal, but “I was told it wasn’t possible.”
He also attracted attention for his unusual adherence to pre-prepared sentences, avoiding the excessive improvisation and sharp personal attacks that have been characteristic of his previous speeches.
The speech came at a critical stage in Trump’s second term as president. The White House is betting on the economic file to restore national momentum, while Democrats seek to turn the next election into a referendum on the administration’s policies, in a scene that reflects America’s deep political divisions.
