Longest State of the Union in history: Trump highlights immigration crackdown, draws Democrat heckles

By SUZANNE DOWNING

Feb. 24, 2026 – President Donald Trump delivered a marathon State of the Union address Tuesday night, speaking for more than one hour and 45 minutes, a duration that appeared to make it the longest such address in modern history. The speech, marked by themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and heroism, unfolded before a sharply divided chamber and featured repeated clashes with Democrats who interrupted and heckled throughout the evening. No members were removed for their disruptions.

At 79, with his 80th birthday approaching in June, Trump maintained high energy from start to finish, speaking without lengthy pauses, except for numerous standing ovations and shouts of “USA USA” from the Republicans. He closed with an optimistic vision of what he described as America’s greatest days ahead. His remarks centered heavily on border security, crime, and the dramatic economic turnaround since returning to office.

Trump argued that his administration inherited an economy “on the edge of disaster,” pointing to high inflation and instability, and said his policies have since slowed inflation, reduced crime rates, and effectively ended what he called “rampant illegal immigration.” He cited enforcement measures at the southern border and credited law enforcement agencies for what he described as restoring order in communities across the country.

Democrats repeatedly interrupted, with audible boos and shouted responses coming from their side of the aisle. Among the most vocal critics were Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, who at times shouted criticisms toward the president. At one point, a camera shot captured Tlaib wearing a jacket with a pin displaying an anti-ICE slogan (“FUCK ICE”  that was clearly visible on the broadcast. The interruptions were par for the course for Democrats.

Despite the confrontations, Trump pressed forward, frequently pivoting from criticism to celebration, highlighting what he described as stories of American heroism. Several invited guests were recognized during the speech, including members of the US military, veterans, and families who endured personal tragedy. In emotional moments, some service members in attendance received awards or special recognition from the president, drawing standing ovations from Republicans and mixed reactions from Democrats.

Noticeably absent from this year’s address was any substantial discussion of American energy policy. Unlike prior speeches in which he emphasized domestic oil and gas production, Trump made no direct reference to Alaska and offered only brief remarks about energy development. He also barely mentioned the recent Supreme Court decision striking down his administration’s tariff policy, choosing not to dwell on the setback.

Instead, the speech returned again and again to border enforcement and crime. Trump framed immigration as the defining issue of his presidency and said his administration’s actions had restored law and order nationwide, noting that crime is markedly down in the nation’s capital city, and singling out Minnesota as being problematic. He challenged Democrats to acknowledge what he called measurable improvements in economic indicators and border crossings, arguing that his policy record left them little room to argue.

The chamber’s atmosphere reflected the tension of a deeply polarized political climate. Republicans repeatedly rose in applause, while many Democrats remained seated or screamed objections. The back-and-forth exchanges gave the evening a combative tone, but one that did not appear to bother the president.

In his closing, Trump shifted to a sweeping patriotic message, praising the resilience of the American people and promising continued strength and prosperity under his leadership. After nearly two hours, he concluded to sustained applause from members of his party, having delivered a speech as notable for its length and stamina as for its sharp edges and bold message.

Selected quotes from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech on Feb. 24, 2026:

Tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages. We will never go back to where we were just a short time ago.
***
From 1776 to today, every generation of Americans has stepped forward to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for the next. Now, it is our turn. Together, we are building a nation where every child has the chance to reach higher and go farther—where government answers to the people, not the powerful—and where the interests of hardworking American Citizens are always our first and ultimate concern.
***
Moving forward, factories, jobs, investment, and trillions of dollars will continue pouring into the United States of America—because we finally have a president who puts America First.
For decades before I came along, we had the exact opposite. From trade to healthcare, from energy to immigration, everything was stolen and rigged in order to drain the wealth out of the productive, hardworking people who make our country run.
***
I am also ending the wildly inflated cost of prescription drugs. Other presidents tried to do it, but they never could. They were all talk and no action. I got it done.
***
Last month, I signed an Executive Order to ban large Wall Street investment firms from buying up, in the thousands, single-family homes. And now I am asking Congress to make that ban permanent, because homes are for people, not corporations.
***
But when it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota—where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion dollars from the American taxpayer.
***
As we speak, Democrats in this chamber have cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security. They have closed the agency responsible for protecting Americans from terrorists and murderers. Tonight, I am demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding for the Border Security and Homeland Security of the United States.
***
Above all, unleashing America’s promise requires keeping our communities safe. We have made incredible strides—yet dangerous repeat offenders continue to be released by pro-crime politicians again and again.
***
As President, I will make peace wherever I can—but I will never hesitate to confront threats to America wherever we must.
***
We are also restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere—actingto secure our national interests and defend our country from violence, drugs, terrorism, and foreign interference. For years, large swaths of territory in our region, including large parts of Mexico, have been controlled by murderous drug cartels.
***
The Revolution that began in 1776 has not ended—it still continues, because the flame of Liberty and Independence still burns in the hearts of every American Patriot.