The Longest Speech and the Loudest Applause

In one of the most intense moments in American political theater, Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in modern history, lasting approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, surpassing even the record set by Bill Clinton in 2000. However, the length of the speech has not been the most striking detail, but rather the atmosphere surrounding it: repeated, sharp applause, more akin to a partisan performance than the traditional parliamentary ritual to which Washington is accustomed. The scene resembled a rally in which the U.S. Congress transformed into a platform for affirming the leader, not an arena for holding him accountable.

From the very first minutes, Trump painted a picture of America's "golden age": a stronger economy, more secure borders, record-breaking investments and the lowest rate of inflation in five years. The statistics were heavily present, the political context even more so. The president, who is facing the lowest approval ratings of his term (38%), did not address undecided voters so much as speak directly to his solid base.

Instead of trying to expand his circle of support, Trump repeated his customary formula: bragging about achievements, blaming the previous administration and explicitly accusing Democrats of "wanting to cheat" in elections. At this point, the speech shifted from being a State of the Union address to an early campaign mobilization speech ahead of the midterm elections.

Regarding the tariffs issue, which was struck a blow from the Supreme Court, Trump handled it cautiously, in a rare performance that appeared more disciplined than usual, sticking to the prepared script. He described the ruling as "unfortunate" without attacking the justices as he did earlier, as if he were aware of the sensitivity of the political moment.

On foreign affairs, Trump left lingering ambiguity regarding Iran, repeating his determined view, "I'll never allow Iran, world's No. 1 sponsor of terror, to have a nuclear weapon." He has mixed a hint of military force with a preference for a diplomatic solution, in a deliberate blend of deterrence and flexibility.

On the immigration issue, Trump reclaimed his confrontational tone, attacking the policies of Democratic-run cities and reintroducing the "Save America" Act that would voters to provide proof of citizenship, while accusing his opponents of large-scale fraud.

Reactions were harsh. Democrats described the speech as propaganda and out of touch with reality, accusing Trump of lying and enriching himself and his family. Outside the hall, activists gathered at an event they called "The State of the Swamp," in a symbolic showing of how deep the division is.

The most important question remains: Did Trump succeed? In terms of drama, yes. In terms of mobilizing his base, certainly. But in terms of expanding his circle of support before the November elections, the task appears more complicated. Mixed economic indicators, Supreme Court rulings and the relative decline in his popularity all made the speech, no matter how long, just one skirmish in an open political battle.

It was the longest presidential speech in modern history, and perhaps the one that received the most applause. But in American politics, success is measured not by the number of standing ovations, but by the speaker's ability to convince those who don’t applaud.