Trump Claims Economic Wins, Criticizes Democrats in Record-Breaking 2026 State of the Union

President Donald Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union address to the 119th Congress on Tuesday, breaking his own record for the longest annual address in modern US history at 1 hour and 47 minutes. During the speech, Trump highlighted economic growth, defended his tax policies, and launched sharp criticism at Democratic lawmakers, labeling some as “crazy” for opposing his agenda.

The address also included references to foreign policy, including a firm warning to Iran over nuclear weapons while emphasizing a preference for diplomatic solutions. Trump praised US military and civilian achievements and announced plans to award the Medal of Freedom to Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response, sharply criticizing Trump on issues of affordability, immigration, and social equity. Her response focused on the administration’s handling of immigrant families, highlighting reports of mothers being arrested and children detained.

The speech drew a mix of applause and protest in the House chamber. Among the notable attendees were the US Men’s Hockey Team, Erika Kirk—the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk—and several survivors of Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers and Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, were also present.

Trump’s address set a record for the longest State of the Union since at least 1964, surpassing his own 2025 address and former President Bill Clinton’s 2000 record of nearly one-and-a-half hours. By contrast, former President Richard Nixon holds the record for the shortest speech at under 30 minutes in 1972.

Throughout the speech, Trump criticized Democrats for judicial rulings he considered “unfortunate,” defended his economic agenda, and called for continued vigilance on national security matters.