On Feb. 24, President Donald Trump gave his annual State of the Union address, where he reflected on major successes and failures from his past year in office. The President beat his prior record of the longest State of the Union address, speaking for a grand total of 1 hour and 47 minutes. He focused on his “America First” agenda and addressed a variety of trending issues including the border, the economy and military advancements.
Alongside Congress, many major political and cultural figures were present in the audience during his speech. Notably, Erika Kirk, founder of TurningPointUSA, the Men’s U.S. hockey team and four Supreme Court Justices were present as well.
Shortly into Trump’s speech, Representative Al Green was escorted out for carrying a protest sign reading: ‘Black People Aren’t Apes!’ protesting against a racist video posted from Trump’s social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This is the second consecutive year Green has been removed from the address.
Trump began his speech by declaring, “This is the golden age of America.” Trump discussed the recent economy under his administration, claiming, “Inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast. The roaring economy is roaring like never before.” Throughout the speech, Trump consistently boasts about America’s booming economy.
He noted that, “More Americans are working today than at any time in the history of our country.”
While this is true, it lacks relevant context. According to ABC News, the pace of job gains slowed sharply in 2025. The U.S. added 181,000 jobs last year, far fewer than 584,000 jobs added in 2024.
Another pressing topic was immigration and the impact that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had on the nation. Trump has consistently promised a stronger southern border, and reiterated that in the address.
“In the past nine months, zero illegal immigrants have been admitted to the United States,” Trump said. “But we will always allow people to come in legally, people that will love our country and will work hard to maintain our country.”
While illegal border crossings are at record lows, these statements caused immense controversy because some felt that his policies were hypocritical. In his second term, Trump has implemented a travel ban, restricting people from over 19 countries from obtaining temporary visas. Trump has also deported a large number of people, skyrocketing to more than 2.5 million in 2025 alone, the Department of Homeland Security wrote.
The President awarded five military members at the State of the Union. First, he honored Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric Slover and retired Navy Capt. Royce Williams, who were given Medals of Honor, the country’s highest military valor in action. Slover was awarded for piloting a helicopter while wounded in efforts to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. 100-year-old Royce Williams was awarded for downing four Soviet jets in a 1952 Korean War mission.
Additionally, two West Virginia National Guardsmen: Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was given Purple Hearts after they were shot during an ambush near the White House in 2025. Beckstrom passed away from her injuries and Wolfe survived.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan was also granted the Legion of Merit award for saving 165 people, including children, during the Jul. 2025 Texas flash floods. Finally, the Olympic U.S. Men’s Hockey goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor.
While the speech was the longest recorded State of the Union address, “Nearly two-thirds of speech-watchers said they had at least a somewhat positive reaction to Trump’s speech,” CNN noted.
Trump concluded his speech by mentioning the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence and the core values of patriotism.
“Together, we are building a nation where every child has the chance to reach higher and go further, where government answers to the people, not the powerful, and where the interests of hardworking American citizens are always our first and ultimate concern. That is the debt we owe to the heroes who came before us, and that is the promise we must keep for our 250th year.”
