On the evening of February 24, Eastern Time, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term before Congress, extensively discussing policies on the economy and immigration, while boasting of ushering in an "American Golden Age."

The speech lasted over one hour and 40 minutes, setting a record for the longest State of the Union address in history. However, U.S. media viewed the content as repetitive and lacking in substance.

The event was marked by a stark contrast: Republicans cheered and applauded, while Democrats protested and walked out. The political divide between the two parties has intensified further.

Titled "Rehashing Old Themes," the address began with Trump entering the Congressional hall amid cheers from Republicans. According to CNN statistics, the speech set a new duration record.

Trump declared, "Our country is back. This is the American Golden Age." He then criticized the Biden administration, stating that he inherited "a nation in deep crisis," but emphasized that his administration had achieved "unprecedented change."

Commenting on Trump's self-praise, CNBC reporter Garrett Hacker remarked, "Much of the speech felt like a rehash of familiar themes."

Media outlets like The New York Times noted that Trump delivered the speech at a time when his second-term approval ratings have hit a low, causing concern among Republicans about potential losses in the November 2026 midterm elections. In response, Trump painted a picture of an "unprecedented turnaround" for America in his address, aiming to boost his declining support.

The speech was also scrutinized for its accuracy. Trump repeatedly attacked his political opponents, mentioning former President Biden four times, primarily to blame the Biden administration for issues such as inflation, corruption, and immigration policies.

In contrast, Trump barely touched on foreign policy, making almost no mention of topics like the Ukraine crisis. Instead, he boasted about receiving "over 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela" and issued threats against Iran while touting U.S. military strength.

A significant portion of the speech focused on Trump's immigration and economic "achievements." However, multiple media outlets pointed out exaggerations and incorrect data in his claims.

For instance, Trump cited encouraging economic indicators, claiming "over $18 trillion in capital commitments from around the world in 12 months" and "70,000 new construction jobs created in a very short time." However, a CNN investigation found these figures to be severely inflated, as the White House included trillions in investment pledges related to "bilateral trade" or "economic exchanges," rather than direct investment in the U.S.

The New York Times further highlighted that builders have faced challenges over the past year due to high interest rates and elevated steel and aluminum prices. Trump's tariffs on metal imports have driven up construction costs.

Trump also claimed that "the stock market has repeatedly hit new highs over the past year." Yet, Wall Street analysts warn of complacency in financial markets amid overvaluation, persistent bubble concerns, and escalating geopolitical tensions.

Additionally, Trump described his tariff policies as "the功臣 of the economy's remarkable recovery." However, CNN noted that these policies are "extremely unpopular" among Americans. CNN reporter John King commented, "Listening to Trump, tariffs are 'saving our country.' But this year, even many of his supporters have talked about the negative effects of tariffs and how they drive up prices."

Trump also boasted about his administration's efforts on border security with Mexico, asserting that the U.S. "will always allow people to enter legally." Moreover, he referred to Somali immigrants in Minnesota as "Somali pirates," accusing them of engaging in fraudulent activities. In response, Somali-American Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who was present, shouted in protest, "You are lying!"

Throughout the more than one-hour speech, Trump's self-praise was met with clear disapproval from some Americans in attendance. Democrats either sat in silence, booed, or walked out in protest.

As Trump began his speech, Texas Democratic Representative Greene unfurled a banner reading, "Black people are not apes," protesting a recent video posted by Trump that was deemed racist. Greene was quickly removed from the chamber.

During the address, Trump attempted to engage the audience, asking those who believe "the primary duty of the U.S. government is to protect American citizens, not illegal immigrants" to stand. Republicans immediately rose and applauded for several minutes, while Democrats remained seated and unresponsive. Trump retorted, "You should be ashamed for not standing."

Later, as Trump continued speaking, several Democratic lawmakers loudly interrupted him. Minnesota Democratic Representative Omar and Michigan Democratic Representative Tlaib repeatedly shouted, "You are harming Americans!"

Democrats were not entirely silent throughout the event. When Trump expressed regret over the Supreme Court's decision to overturn his tariff policies, Democrats applauded the court's ruling, contrasting sharply with their earlier passive stance.

In conclusion, Trump reiterated the arrival of an "American Golden Age," attempting to depict a vision of prosperity under the "American beacon." However, outside Congress, protests and divisions persisted, highlighting the deep societal rifts that remain unhealed.

On the National Mall, hundreds gathered for a protest rally. Participants held signs with messages such as "No funding for ICE" and "Healthcare, not war." Others displayed a large poster featuring photos of victims who died during ICE operations.

In Williamsburg, Virginia, Governor Spahnberg swiftly responded to Trump's speech, accusing him of diverting attention from the cost-of-living issues facing Americans. She stated, "The truth of the past year is that through mass layoffs and appointing highly irresponsible individuals to our nation's most critical positions, the president has endangered America's historical role as a force for justice." She added that Trump "lied on economic issues" and "we did not hear the truth from the president."