WASHINGTON D.C.— On February 26, President Donald J. Trump gave his first State of the Union (SOTU) address of his second term. During his 108-minute speech, President Trump acknowledged America’s upcoming 250th year of independence (July 4, 1776-July 4, 2025).
He highlighted accomplishments including cutting taxes, lowering gas prices, and bringing the oil industry back to the U.S. In addition, he honored many individuals.
The crowd cheered as President Trump spoke on lower inflation, gas prices, and interest rates. More oil production (+80 billion barrels from Venezuela), more jobs in the private sector. “Drill baby drill,” Trump said, as the crowd chanted, “USA, USA, USA.”
Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, wore smiles and nodded in agreement with Trump as he spoke.
On February 4, 2020, former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made history when she rose from her seat and tore a copy of the State of the Union address. Pelosi was in attendance this year.
Lawmakers and guests filled both the upper and lower chambers. The First Family including First Lady Melania, first sons, Eric, Don Jr., and Young Baron Trump, as well as Lara Trump, and first daughter, Ivanka Trump Kushner were in attendance.
Supreme Court Chief Justice, John G. Roberts, Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh, and Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett also attended. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was in attendance.
Some Democrats opted out of the address including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) reacted to Trump’s speech interrupting several times.
Rep. Tlaib entered the building donning a name tag with “F**ck ICE,” written on it. Rep. Omar interrupted the President’s speech, shouting, “You killed Americans.” Both chose to leave early.
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) made an early exit indicating she wanted President Trump to use the State of the Union as an opportunity to recognize the sex trafficked survivors of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump spoke on the increase in Christianity among young people in the United States, attributing the Christian movement among young people to the now deceased Christian activist, Charlie Kirk. Trump recognized his widow, Erika Kirk in the crowd. She was brought to tears with the mention of her late husband.
Democrats stood alongside Republicans in honor of the fallen, during Trump’s tribute to life and work of Charlie Kirk. This marked the only time that both parties stood in unison during the address.
Trump relayed stories those lost at the hands of violent extremists as many some held back tears. When Republicans stood out of respect for the honorees, Democrat lawmakers sat.
Trump stopped and looked at those refusing to stand, and said, “You’ve got to be sad.”
First Lady Melania presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to World War II Navy pilot Captain Royce Williams. Army Lt. Gen., Jonathan Braga, Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5, Eric Slover.
CWO Slover, of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026. It was in this raid that they captured Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in Caracas.
Despite injuries from machine-gun fire, Slover successfully landed the aircraft leading to Maduro’s capture.
President Trump honored Vermont WWII Veteran George “Buddy” Taggart; a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his work to help liberate internment camps in the Philippines 81 years ago. He will turn 100 on July 4.
The President honored mothers of the fallen soldiers, military heroes, and the Olympic Gold Medal winners of the U.S. men’s hockey team. Additional details can be found on the U.S. Department of War website.
