Trump’s longest-ever State of the Union address sparks ridicule, intensifies partisan clashes
2026-02-25 Ecns.cn Editor：Mo Honge
(ECNS) — U.S. President Donald Trump took credit for economic gains and his role in immigration in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, declaring the beginning of what he called a “golden age of America”.
The speech lasted 108 minutes, setting a record as the longest State of the Union address since 1964, though U.S. media described it as well-worn rhetoric, lacking anything new.
During his speech, Trump also praised his administration’s efforts to strengthen security along the U.S.-Mexico border.
He referred to Somali immigrants in Minnesota as “Somali pirates” and accused them of fraud. In response, Somali-American Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar protested loudly from the chamber, shouting, “You’re a liar.”
Protests persist during the speech
During the long address, Trump repeatedly praised his own achievement record, but many in the audience didn’t buy it.
Democratic lawmakers sat in silence, booed, or walked out in protest. As Trump began speaking, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, waved a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes,” protesting a video previously shared by Trump that was widely criticized as racist. Green was quickly ejected out.
At one point, Trump called on audience members to stand if they believed the U.S. government’s primary duty is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants. Republicans rose to their feet and applauded for several minutes, while Democrats remained seated. Trump rebuked that they should be ashamed.
Democrats did not remain silent throughout. When Trump criticized a U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning his tariff policy, Democrats responded with applause in support of the court’s decision, in sharp contrast to their earlier silence.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., holding signs reading “No funding for ICE” and “Healthcare, not war.” Some carried large posters displaying photos of individuals who died during operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In Williamsburg, Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger quickly responded to Trump’s speech, accusing him of attempting to distract Americans from rising living costs.
Spanberger said Trump had endangered the country’s credibility by carrying out mass firings and appointing unqualified individuals to key positions, and noted that Trump had lied about economic conditions and failed to tell Americans the truth.
(By Gong Weiwei)
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 