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Record-Length Speech
Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in US history at 106 minutes.
“Trump delivered a near-record-length speech of about 1 hour 50 minutes”
He declared the nation was in a golden age and touted an unprecedented transformation.
The record length sparked complaints even from some Republicans.
Inflation was still above the Federal Reserve's target and growth was slowing.
Inflation Claims Challenged
Trump claimed inflation had fallen by more than half since January 2025 and that the economy was roaring.
The BBC noted beef prices rose 15% over the past year despite Trump's claims.
The White House investment tracker listed $9.6 trillion, below Trump's $18 trillion claim.
Core inflation remained above the 2% target.
Immigration Confrontation
Trump warned that voting for Democrats is a vote to reopen America's borders.
“Trump turned to an old tactic: immigration”
He called for passage of the SAVE America Act to tighten voting rules.
Democrats remained seated during his immigration remarks.
The speech included an angel mom whose daughter was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant.
Germany's Angela Merkel
Trump touted progress in Iran and Venezuela.
He announced Sockey would lead a new US trade delegation in Brussels.
Merkel's presence underscored an attempt to balance assertiveness with outreach.
Electioneering Tone
The speech was seen as a midterm campaign rally.
Democrats refused to stand or applaud.
Polls showed growing skepticism.
Trump's second term contradictions were laid bare.