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President Donald Trump’s initial official State of the Union address of his second term set a new record for the longest presidential speech to Congress, surpassing his own previous record. In a lengthy 108-minute address on Tuesday, Trump oscillated between attempting to assure voters that their decision to support his return to power was justified and targeting Democratic members present with a series of dismissive remarks, taunts, and criticisms. The overall delivery appeared to be driven more by attention-grabbing tactics than by a clear or consistent message, and it lacked any novel policy proposals that would clearly benefit Republican lawmakers.

Some segments of the speech seemed to align with the advice of Republican allies urging him to focus on economic achievements and future promises. Other parts appeared to be direct provocations aimed at his political opponents. As a whole, the address seemed primarily intended to keep Trump at the forefront of the national narrative during an election year where strategists predict many voters’ decisions will hinge on a referendum on Trump’s singular party control of Washington.

However, it is evident that Trump perceives himself to be in a precarious political position. He avoided contentious issues such as the controversial demolition of the East Wing, the fatalities of Americans caused by U.S. security forces, or the arbitrary reduction of the federal workforce. Even when criticizing Supreme Court Justices directly, his strongest remark was to label a recent decision against his trade dispute as “unfortunate.”

These moments of civility were, however, anomalies within an almost two-hour speech that revisited many of Trump’s familiar themes, including his assertion that he should be serving a third term, not a second. He also made tangential remarks, such as noting that “the firemen don’t get mentioned enough” and that “Space Force is my baby.” He complimented First Lady Melania Trump, calling her a “movie star.” He presented several medals but lamented that he was informed it was against the law for him to bestow such honors upon himself.

The beginning of the speech was precisely the kind of address his supporters had been urging the White House to craft for months, given Trump’s declining poll numbers. He featured the gold-medal-winning men’s Olympic hockey team as guests, positioning them in the aisles between reporters in the balcony. During their introduction, Trump’s volume increased so significantly that the audio feed experienced a surge, rendering his words indistinct.

This was the most unifying moment of the evening and one of the most memorable. However, Trump is not inclined to share the spotlight, particularly on an occasion where he commands the nation’s attention in a way he is unlikely to again before the November elections.

He swiftly reverted to talking points that voters have heard from him for years. He advocated for a resurgence of Christianity, condemned transgender rights, and criticized NATO allies. He accused Democrats of “destroying our country,” harboring immigrants who commit fraud against government programs, and achieving electoral victories solely through dishonest means.

He highlighted the deployment of military personnel domestically in Democratic-led cities such as Washington, D.C., Memphis, and New Orleans. “They don’t like to hear that,” Trump remarked, casting a scowl towards the Democratic side of the House Chamber.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves,” he stated sternly when Democrats remained seated in silence as Trump urged them to approve a spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security.

And when he proposed a stringent crime bill in response to the killing of a refugee in Charlotte, N.C., by a suspect with a history of criminal offenses and mental health issues, he directed a glare at the seated Democrats. “How do you not stand?”

This type of cultural provocation is a characteristic Trump trait that he seems unable to abandon, regardless of advice suggesting it is harming his public image. When Trump delivered a similar speech to Congress last year, his approval rating was at a career high of 48%, according to CNN. However, he has lost support across all major demographic groups, with positive approval only among Republicans, conservatives, and white Americans without college degrees. He appeared on Capitol Hill with a 36% approval rating, with 32% believing he has the correct priorities and 38% believing he has the right policies.

Despite a year in which Trump has been reshaping the global order, he addressed foreign policy only minimally until late in his speech. Initially, he downplayed the apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, referring to the nation as “our new friend and partner.” However, approximately 90 minutes later, he lauded the military operation that transported the “outlaw dictator” from his home to a New York jail as “one of the most complex, spectacular feats of military competence and power in world history.”

His remarks were similarly vague regarding Iran, a country he has indicated is likely to be the target of a future U.S.-led intervention. However, Trump was cautious about his ultimate objective in potentially engaging militarily with the Islamic Republic. While he listed Iran’s past transgressions, he offered little explanation to Americans regarding the potential benefits of military action there.

Interspersed throughout the speech were typical Trump exaggerations. “The roaring economy is roaring like never before,” Trump claimed, despite the economy growing at a pace similar to 2024. “Inflation is plummeting,” Trump stated, even though inflation remains higher than the Federal Reserve’s target. Despite wage increases, they are being outpaced by the rising costs of goods and services. He also reiterated his misleading assertion of having ended eight wars, including the conflict in Gaza.

Republicans offered predictable applause, but it was noticeably less enthusiastic than the reception Democrats gave Biden at comparable events. Even before the speech concluded, a consistent number of Democrats were seen departing. By the time Trump finished his lengthy address, Republicans appeared restless and somewhat fatigued, both due to the late hour and their understanding that the campaign leading up to November will largely consist of similar rhetoric.

As Trump was concluding his speech, Democratic candidates secured victories in three additional special elections in Pennsylvania and Maine. Since Trump began his second term, Democrats have won or outperformed expectations in 251 out of 281 contests.

Understand the crucial developments in Washington. .