President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union Address officially set a new record by lasting 1 hour and 47 minutes. This marks the longest State of the Union speech in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record set by former President Bill Clinton in 2000, which was over 1 hour and 28 minutes. Before the event took place on the evening of February 24, Mr. Trump hinted that the speech would be lengthy because his administration currently has "too much to say."
According to data from the American Presidency Project, the shortest speech in history belonged to former President Richard Nixon in 1972, lasting only 28 minutes. Last year, President Trump also delivered an address to a joint session of Congress that was 1 hour and 39 minutes long; however, that was not an official State of the Union Address. This event reaffirmed his characteristic detailed and forceful speaking style during his current term.
Key Highlights of the Record-Breaking Speech
During the nearly two-hour-long address, President Trump spent considerable time highlighting significant achievements from the first year of his term. Prominent issues included tax cut policies, the implementation of "Trump accounts" programs, and tightening border security. Notably, he also mentioned the campaign to apprehend Nicolás Maduro as a crucial milestone in his foreign policy.
Besides recounting accomplishments, the President put forth important legislative proposals and called for support from Congress. Key contents included:
- Calling for the passage of the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voting.
- Proposing regulations to restrict stock trading for incumbent members of Congress.
- Calling for an increase in the defense budget to ensure national security.
On economic matters, President Trump focused deeply on the cost of living, a topic of widespread concern among voters ahead of the midterm elections. He strongly criticized Democratic lawmakers regarding past price situations and asserted that under his administration, prices are sharply decreasing. The speech maintained its familiar confrontational style as he attacked political opponents and reiterated the Supreme Court's recent ruling related to IEEPA tariffs.
The 2026 State of the Union Address is seen by observers as one of President Trump's largest political platforms leading up to the midterm elections later this year. With content encompassing everything from the economy to security, this speech plays a vital role in shaping the White House's agenda and consolidating support from the American public.
