Key Points
-
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address on record at nearly 108 minutes.
-
The speech focused heavily on the economy, tariffs, and national security.
-
Democrats sharply criticized several claims as fact-checks continued during the address.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term Tuesday night, using the nationally televised speech to spotlight economic claims, tariff policy and escalating tensions overseas in a speech that stretched nearly 108 minutes.
The address, delivered inside the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol, stretched to nearly 108 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union speech on record and immediately becoming one of the most searched political events of the year.
Trump focuses on economy and tariffs
Trump repeatedly pointed to what he described as strong economic momentum, telling lawmakers that inflation was falling and that tariffs could eventually replace income taxes.
“As time goes by, I believe tariffs… will substantially replace the modern-day system of income tax,” Trump said during the address.
Economic experts, however, have previously expressed skepticism about whether tariffs could realistically replace federal income tax revenue.
The president also pushed Congress to permanently limit large investors from buying single-family homes, framing the proposal as part of his affordability agenda.
Sharp partisan moments inside the chamber
The speech featured several tense exchanges between Republicans and Democrats, a hallmark of recent State of the Union addresses.
At one point, Trump criticized Democratic lawmakers for remaining seated during Republican applause lines, telling them, “You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up.”
In another notable moment, Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas was escorted out of the chamber after holding up a protest sign as the president entered.
Foreign policy and Iran warning
Trump also addressed global tensions, saying the United States was still pursuing negotiations with Iran but issuing a firm warning.
“My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy,” he said, adding that the U.S. would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The remarks come amid heightened attention on Middle East policy and potential military decisions later this year.
Fact-checks and live reaction dominate coverage
Even before the speech ended, major U.S. networks and policy groups were issuing live fact-checks of several presidential claims, particularly on inflation, egg prices and religious trends in the United States.
According to federal data cited by analysts, egg prices have declined year over year but not by the full margin Trump suggested.
The unusually long address and combative tone fueled massive live viewership across major U.S. broadcasters and streaming platforms, making the 2026 State of the Union one of the most closely watched political moments of Trump’s second term.
Democrats prepare formal rebuttal
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is set to deliver the Democratic response following the speech, with Sen. Alex Padilla providing the Spanish-language rebuttal.
With midterm elections now less than nine months away, the address is widely seen as an early attempt by the White House to frame the economic and immigration debate heading into a high-stakes political year.
