President Trump boasted during Tuesday’s State of the Union that “we’re winning so much,” saying he’d sparked a jobs and manufacturing boom at home while imposing a new world order abroad — hoping that offering a long list of his accomplishments can counter approval ratings that have been falling.
Here’s how it unfolded.
pinned
Analysis: Four takeaways from Trump’s (very long) State of the Union address
By James Pindell, Globe Staff
President Trump turned his State of the Union address into something of a campaign rally, punctuated by theatrics and only barely mentioning the economic anxieties voters say matter most.
Trump wrapped himself in the flag — 11:50 p.m.
By the Associated Press
For a president who always seems to be spoiling for a fight, Trump also tried to summon Americans’ innate patriotic impulses.
In addition to the hockey team, he singled out war heroes and those who had taken brave stands in other countries, using the moment to bestow numerous presidential medals in an effort to give the address a more positive gloss.
In one revealing moment, Trump lamented why he couldn’t give a congressional medal to himself.
Spanberger’s response clocks in at around 13 minutes — 11:46 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In response to Trump’s record-length address, the Virginia governor gave a response that lasted around the same amount of time as rebuttals in past years.
Regardless of party, the opposition rebuttal is routinely much shorter than the president’s remarks.
WATCH: Full Democratic Response from Gov. Abigail Spanberger (@GovernorVA): "This is not what our founders envisioned, not by a longshot." pic.twitter.com/Vu2GetqNlq
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 25, 2026
Spanberger calls immigration crackdown a drain on law enforcement — 11:45 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The flood of immigration agents into cities like Minneapolis is unnecessary, is wasteful and spreads fear, Spanberger said in her response.
“Every minute spent sowing fear is a minute not spent investigating murders, crimes against children or the criminals defrauding seniors of their life savings,” she said.
“Our broken immigration system is something to be fixed, not an excuse for unaccountable agents to terrorize our communities.”
Trump’s retirement account match? Biden signed it into law — 11:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said in his speech that he’s announcing a new $1,000 match from the government for people saving for retirement who don’t get a matching contribution from their employers.
But that’s not quite how it would work.
Trump’s proposal is not actually new, as it’s based on the 2022 law Secure 2.0 that establishes a retirement account match for eligible accounts starting in 2027, according to the White House. This means Trump would be taking advantage of a law signed by then President Joe Biden, who he routinely attacks.
Under the law, there would be a match of $1,000 in the form of a credit for annual retirement savings of $2,000 by an individual.
Spanberger slams ‘poorly trained’ immigration officers — 11:34 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Spanberger criticized how Trump’s mass deportation agenda is being carried out in places like Chicago and Minneapolis.
Her comments came a day after a whistleblower told Congress about how new ICE recruits are being trained and problems with that training.
Ryan Schwank accused the Department of Homeland Security of dismantling the training program for new deportation officers and lying about what they were doing.
DHS has said there has been no compromise or corner cutting when it comes to preparing new officers.
Spanberger poses questions about Trump’s second term in Democratic rebuttal — 11:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Throughout her Democratic response to Trump’s address, Spanberger posed a series of questions to Americans, asking whether they feel life has improved since he returned to office.
The Democrat, who flipped a Republican-held office last year, is hoping voters across the country will share that assessment in November’s midterm elections.
Spanberger takes on affordability message in Democratic response to Trump — 11:25 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is arguing in her Democratic rebuttal that costs remain high for many Americans more than a year into Trump’s second term.
Her message — that families are still struggling under the president’s policies — is one Democrats plan to take nationwide ahead of the midterm elections.
Party leaders point to Spanberger’s double-digit victory in Virginia last November as validation of a disciplined, cost-focused campaign they now hope to replicate across the country.
Trump wraps up record-length speech — 11:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump’s 108-minute speech broke his own record for longest presidential address to Congress.
The previous longest was his 100-minute speech last year.
Before 2025, President Bill Clinton had the record with speeches clocking in at 89 minutes in 2000 and 85 minutes in 1995.
Trump has now exceeded the longest previous joint annual address — 10:56 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president began speaking more than 100 minutes ago. That tops last year’s speech, which was the longest State of the Union ever at just under 100 minutes.
Trump mentions killing of Mexican drug lord — 10:53 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president appeared to reference the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho.”
The Mexican army killed Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday during an attempt to capture him in the western state of Jalisco. Both Mexico and the United States confirmed that there was U.S. intelligence support for the operation.
“We’ve also taken down one of the most sinister cartel kingpins of all. You saw that yesterday,” Trump said.
Some 70 people died in the operation and violence that erupted after it.
Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib exit House chamber after shouting condemnations of Trump — 10:52 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The lawmakers, the first two Muslim women ever elected to Congress, exited together as the president recounted his administration’s military operations in Venezuela and the Middle East.
Omar and Tlaib mocked and shouted condemnations at the president during his remarks.
President Trump: "You should be ashamed of yourself."
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 25, 2026
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN): "You have killed Americans."#SOTU #SOTU2026 pic.twitter.com/K1ggMjaGSU
‘Nobody thought it was possible’: Trump touts shaky ceasefire deal in Gaza — 10:44 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Among highlighting the several conflicts he claims to have ended, the president mentioned the ongoing, fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza: “I negotiated every single hostage, both living and dead, has been returned home. Can you believe that? Nobody thought it was possible.”
While the US-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas has halted major military operations, freed the last hostages held by Hamas and ramped up aid deliveries to Gaza, a lasting resolution remains elusive for the two-year war ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel.
Trump administration restricted immigration after National Guard shootings — 10:40 p.m.
By the Associated Press
After the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC last November, the Trump administration announced a flurry of decisions aimed at making it harder for some foreigners to come to or stay in the US The administration announced it was halting visas for Afghans in late November, reexamining Green Cards for people from countries “of concern,” and pausing asylum applications.
The administration said it was necessary to take those steps to make sure people coming into the country or who were already here don’t pose a security threat.
But immigrants’ rights groups and humanitarian organizations said that the administration’s actions were collective punishment for people who had nothing to do with the shooting.
Trump lashes out at Democrats who don’t applaud his gender transition remarks — 10:36 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president called for a ban on states transitioning the gender of children against their parents’ wishes.
“Surely we can all agree, no state can be allowed to rip children from their parents’ arms and transition them to a new gender against the parents’ will,” Trump said. “Who would believe that we’re even talking about it? We must ban it, and we must ban it immediately.”
Trump then gestured to the Democratic side of the room, saying, “look, nobody stands up.”
Trump repeats false claim that he has ended 8 wars — 10:35 p.m.
By the Associated Press
This statistic, which Trump frequently cites as one of his accomplishments, is highly exaggerated. Although he has helped mediate relations among many nations, his impact isn’t as clear-cut as he makes it seem. In at least two instances of peace he claims credit for achieving, there were no wars to end.
The conflicts Trump counts among those he has solved are between Israel and Hamas, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, Rwanda and Congo, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Cambodia and Thailand.
Trump says he is protecting consumers from higher utility bills tied to AI development — 10:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump is announcing what he calls a “new ratepayer protection pledge” regarding tech companies that are building data centers for developing artificial intelligence.
His idea here is that companies will cover the cost of additional electricity demand, rather than consumers with monthly utility bills and a dependence on the existing grid.
Trump didn’t provide more details on how any of this would work, but he claimed — without evidence — that “in many cases” electricity prices would drop because of this plan.
Trump falsely claims voter fraud is ‘rampant’ — 10:26 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Experts say voter fraud is extremely rare, and very few noncitizens ever slip through the cracks.
For example a recent review in Michigan identified 15 people who appear to be noncitizens who voted in the 2024 general election, out of more than 5.7 million ballots cast in the state.
Of those, 13 were referred to the attorney general for potential criminal charges. One involved a voter who has since died, and the final case remains under investigation.
A bipartisan round of applause for Trump’s call to end ‘political violence of any kind’ — 10:25 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump introduced Ericka Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who received cheers from Republicans in the chamber.
“America is one nation under God, and we must totally reject political violence of any kind,” Trump said in remarks that received a bipartisan standing ovation.
Trump pushes Thune on SAVE Act — 10:23 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune to bring up legislation that would impose new proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump said the bill is “country-saving” and “it should happen before anything else happens.”
Thune has said he supports the bill but has not yet put it on the Senate floor, where it is likely to be rejected because of a lack of Democratic support. Some Republicans have urged him to bypass Senate procedure to try and pass it.
Trump said “this should be an easy one” and called out Thune directly.
“We have to stop it John,” Trump said.
By the Associated Press
Trump said members of the state’s large Somali community “have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.”
It’s not clear where Trump found the $19 billion figure.
Dozens of people have been charged in a series of overlapping social service fraud schemes in Minnesota, costing taxpayers well over $200 million. Prosecutors have said the total could end up being $9 billion, an estimate state officials say is overblown.
Of nearly 100 defendants in the three main fraud cases — one for Covid-era food aid, one centered on housing and one for autism assistance — prosecutors say the vast majority are of Somali descent. Roughly 66 people have been convicted.
Trump calls on Congress to reinstate Homeland Security funds — 10:16 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Routine funding for the department has been shutoff for more than a week as Democrats demand changes to rein in Trump’s immigration deportation operations.“
I’m demanding the full and immediate restoration of all funding,” Trump said to cheers. But Democrats have made it clear the bill will not move forward without changes they are demanding.
Trump quips about a third term — 10:05 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump made the aside during a discussion of health care when he began to talk about creating the Trump RX web site “in the first year of my second term – it should be my third term. But strange things happen.”
There was a lot going on in that aside. Trump is, of course, limited to two presidential terms but has repeatedly mused about seeking a third. He also continues to claim he didn’t really lose the 2020 election – but, of course he did.
So far, in the first hour of his speech, it was the closest Trump’s come to mentioning his longtime obsession about explaining away his 2020 loss.
Trump highlights Minnesota fraud crackdown — 10:04 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Federal prosecutors have been scrutinizing staggering amounts of fraud in Minnesota for years. But the allegations have come under an intense spotlight during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
A massive $300 million pandemic fraud scheme involving the nonprofit Feeding Our Future resulted in charges against 47 people in 2022 during the Biden administration. Most of the defendants are of Somali descent, and dozens have been convicted.
The investigation has since expanded, including new fraud allegations focused on child care centers. A federal prosecutor alleged that half or more of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 programs in Minnesota since 2018 may have been stolen.
The federal prosecutor’s office in Minnesota, however, has been gutted by resignations amid mounting frustration with the Justice Department’s response to fatal shootings of civilians by federal agents. Among those who have resigned in recent weeks is Joseph Thompson, the prosecutor who had been leading the massive fraud investigation.
Trump says he is protecting consumers from higher utility bills tied to AI development — 10:02 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump said gas prices now are below $2.30 per gallon in most states, which overstates the price drop since last year.
According to AAA, the national average was $2.95 per gallon as of Tuesday.
That’s below the $3.14 average as one year ago, but not nearly as low as Trump claims.
Who’s the designated survivor? — 9:34 p.m.
By the Associated Press
They typically start the day as low-profile Cabinet secretaries. They end it that way, too, God willing.
But when the rest of the government is gathered together for a big event, like Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, a designated survivor is kept away to ensure someone in the line of leadership succession stays alive.
The president’s pick to sit out this time appeared to be Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, who was also chosen as the designated survivor last year for the president’s address to a joint session of Congress. Collins was not seen in the chamber. The White House did not immediately confirm he was chosen.
Trump’s claim that US is ‘the hottest country’ misses context — 9:33 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“Now we are the hottest country anywhere in the world, the hottest.”
The US economy has generally performed strongly in Trump’s second term — after getting off to a bumpy start.
GDP shrank for the first time in three years during the first quarter of 2025. Growth rebounded in the second half of the year — from April through June, the economy expanded at a healthy 3.8% pace. And from July through September, it grew even faster — 4.4%. It slowed in the fourth quarter, increasing at only a 1.4% annual rate.
A key measure of inflation fell to nearly a five-year low in January. However, according to the Fed’s preferred measure, it remains elevated as the cost of goods such as furniture, clothes and groceries increase. Companies have also sharply reduced hiring.
The U.S. stock market did well last year, and yet it underperformed many foreign markets. The benchmark S&P 500 index climbed 17% — a nice gain but short of a 71% surge in South Korea, 29% in Hong Kong, 26% in Japan, 22% in Germany and 21% in the United Kingdom.
Trump claims $18 trillion in investments — but it’s unclear where the numbers come from — 9:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
It’s unclear where that number comes from. The White House has published a figure of $9.7 trillion, which includes private and public investment commitments from other countries.
Researchers at the Peterson Institute for International Economics last month calculated the investment pledges at $5 trillion from the EU, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the Persian Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump touts drop in murder rate — 9:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Homicide rates did drop sharply in many cities last year. But violent crime has been trending downward for years in the US after a spike during the coronavirus pandemic. And experts say the historic drop in violence defies easy explanation despite elected officials at all levels rushing to claim credit.
A study from the Council on Criminal Justice — a nonpartisan think tank — released in January showed a more than 20% drop in the homicide rate between 2024 and 2025 in 35 cities that reported data. Some cities, including Denver and Washington, reported a 40% decrease.
FBI reports for 2023 and 2024 also showed significant reductions in violent crimes. Violent crime dropped to near pre-pandemic levels around 2022 when Biden was president.
Representative Al Green is escorted from the chamber as Republicans chant ‘USA’ — 9:24 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The House Sergeant at Arms approached and escorted Green, who stood as Trump began speaking with a sign reading “Black People Aren’t Apes!” from the chamber barely two minutes into the address.
Two Trump allies, Representative Troy Nehls of Texas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, had approached the area where Green was sitting before Capitol Police escorted him out.
Before Green exited, some Republicans began chanted “USA.”
President Trump greets Chief Justice Robert and other members of the Supreme Court.
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 25, 2026
In the background, @RepAlGreen holds up a sign that reads: "Black People Aren't Apes"#SOTU #SOTU2026 pic.twitter.com/ipFSuNbceh
Trump begins State of the Union address — 9:17 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“USA!” chants erupted in the chamber after House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the president.
The president immediately acknowledged first lady Melania Trump and second lady Usha Vance, who both received standing ovations from Republicans.
Trump briefly greets Supreme Court justices — 9:15 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president briefly greeted the four Supreme Court justices, shaking their hands before quickly moving on.
Representing the court were Chief Justice John Roberts, Elena Kagan and two of Trump’s appointees, Brett Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan.
The greetings were notable because Trump angrily lashed out at the court after the justices in a 6-3 opinion Friday struck down his tariffs, a signature element of his economic policy.
Roberts, Coney Barrett and another Trump appointee, Neil Gorsuch, joined the court’s three liberal justices in voting down the tariffs.
Trump arrives at the State of the Union — 9:14 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president received a standing ovation from across the chamber. Congressional Republicans, Supreme Court justices and the Joint Chiefs of Staff all clapped, and cheers could be heard from the crowd and gallery overlooking the House floor.
President Trump greets Chief Justice Robert and other members of the Supreme Court.
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 25, 2026
In the background, @RepAlGreen holds up a sign that reads: "Black People Aren't Apes"#SOTU #SOTU2026 pic.twitter.com/ipFSuNbceh
Trump’s Cabinet enters — 9:04 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Most members of the Cabinet chatted with lawmakers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi shook hands with legislators, Supreme Court Justices and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before taking their seats.
Hegseth chatted and laughed with generals. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick mingled with senators. Transportation Secretary Scott Duffy enthusiastically shook the hand of Rep. Al Green, a frequent Trump critic, approaching and speaking with a group of Democratic senators.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner struck up conversations with lawmakers.
First lady Melania Trump receives a standing ovation as she enters the chamber — 9:02 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Republicans and attendees in the gallery overlooking the House floor cheered and whistled for the first lady as she waved to her fellow attendees.
Democrats stood, but few clapped.
Justices of the Supreme Court arrive for State of the Union after Trump’s calls — 9:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett took their seats directly in front of the dais where the president is set to speak.
Trump last week called justices “disloyal” after the high court delivered a ruling that struck down his tariff regime on imported goods.
“I couldn’t care less if they come,” he later said on whether the justices should attend tonight’s address.
Obama’s chief speechwriter: State of the Union speeches are a ‘relic’ — 8:57 a.m.
By the Associated Press
Jon Favreau was lead writer for several Barack Obama addresses. He says the whole thing is relatively pointless.
“It’s become a relic of a speech that barely matters,” Favreau said on the social platform X. He argued that “the people who are paying attention tend to be politically engaged types who’ve already made up their minds.”
There is little political effect “when the speech is a success” and “when it’s a disaster,” Favreau said.
There are rare occasions, of course, when it matters.
Democrat Joe Biden used his 2024 speech to calm his party’s concerns about his age as he sought reelection — only to have a disastrous debate performance months later that led to him dropping out.
Republicans are hoping Trump can achieve the same kind of stabilizing effect ahead of the November elections. And since it’s a midterm year, there’s no debate stage later for him to give voters another look.
Joint Chiefs of Staff speak with lawmakers ahead of State of the Union — 8:56 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Members of Congress from both parties shook hands with the nation’s top military brass, including Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Trump has arrived at the Capitol — 8:53 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president left the White House at 8:33 p.m. and arrived at the Capitol at 8:41 p.m. His address is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.
Vice President JD Vance and US senators enter House chamber — 8:43 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Vance and Senate Majority Leader John Thune shook hands with lawmakers as they entered.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer followed alongside the rest of the senators in attendance.
The gallery broke out into applause at the senators’ arrivals.
Representative Al Green, congressman removed from chamber during Trump’s last speech to Congress, arrives — 8:40 p.m.
By the Associated Press
In 2024, House Speaker Mike Johnson instructed the House Sergeant of Arms to remove Green from the chamber after a verbal altercation with the president over the Trump administration’s early policies.
A Texas Democrat who last year twice mounted unsuccessful impeachment efforts, Green has been an ardent critic of Trump since the president’s first term.
On Tuesday night he spoke on the floor with several lawmakers, including Representative Shri Thanedar, a Michigan Democrat who also proposed failed impeachment legislation last year.
‘Left or right, we’re all on the same team’ — at least for a minute — 8:32 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“It’s a huge night for President Trump, and the stakes could not be higher,” anchor Anderson Cooper said at the open of CNN’s coverage Tuesday night.
“Can he convince the American public that his policies are working?” co-anchor Jake Tapper asked.
The cable news networks had hourlong pregame shows, and each started with different approaches.
“The State of the Union is always a big night, no matter who the president is,” Rachel Maddow said at the top on MS NOW, formerly MSNBC. “Tonight it definitely feels a little bit uniquely unpredictable.”
On Fox News Channel, Jesse Watters began his show with a focus on heroes, noting the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team visited the White House in the wake of its gold medal. Watters called it one of the most exciting, patriotic and unifying moments for the country in decades.
“Left or right, we’re all on the same team,” Watters said.
But he quickly pivoted to a political attack, criticizing some Democrats who announced they would not be attending.
Reaction in the room could matter as much as Trump’s words — 8:31 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Trump is delivering the speech, but his audience sitting in the House chamber has a big role, too. When Trump delivered his 2020 State of the Union, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi theatrically ripped up a copy of the speech afterward, overshadowing much of what Trump said.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York has said in a letter to colleagues “it is important to have a strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber,” indicating some members might choose not to attend in protest to Trump. But there’s also the possibility of Democrats razzing Trump as Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, did in 2025, leading him to be removed from the chamber.
Senator Padilla to look toward the future in Spanish-language response to SOTU — 8:30 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“The Dream that has inspired generations of Americans and immigrants will remain long after Trump is gone.”
California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla will outline a “better path” forward for the country in his Spanish-language response to the State of the Union address, according to excerpts released ahead of the speech.
“The truth is that the State of our Union does not feel strong for everyone,” Padilla plans to say.
Padilla’s remarks come after a high-profile confrontation last year in which he was shoved to the ground and briefly handcuffed by federal agents after confronting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Los Angeles news conference.
“They may have knocked me down for a moment, but I got right back up,” Padilla plans to say.
Lawmakers begin arriving — 8:29 p.m.
By the Associated Press
An hour before the president’s address was set to start, dozens of Republican and Democratic House members were already seated and trickling into the chamber.
Per usual, lawmakers generally stuck to their side of the chamber’s partisan divide, though some Democrats and Republicans could be seen mingling as it filled up. Some Democrats posed for photos with colleagues.
At least one senator, Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, was seated before any colleagues from her side of the Capitol arrived.
Photos: Members of Trump’s Cabinet arrive at the Capitol — 8:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The George Washington Gavel has entered the Capitol — 8:19 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Most don’t think the country is headed in the right direction — 8:10 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Few Americans, 29%, think the country is heading in the right direction, according to the most recent AP-NORC poll. Most, 69%, believe things are heading in the wrong direction.
That pessimism is higher than it was when Trump took office last year. Last March, about 6 in 10 Americans said the country was heading in the wrong direction.
That’s partially because Republicans’ mood grew much darker last fall, after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Republicans are now more optimistic than they were a few months ago, but only about 6 in 10 say the country is heading in the right direction, down from about 7 in 10 last March.
Speaker Johnson will display Washington’s gavel during speech — 7:59 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Speaker Mike Johnson will display George Washington’s gavel during the State of the Union.
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society says it’s the first time the gavel will be displayed during the president’s speech to Congress. It will sit on the rostrum in honor the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Washington used the gavel in 1793 to lay the cornerstone of the Capitol building, according to the Historical Society. It’s been maintained ever since by the Potomac Lodge No. 5, a Masonic Lodge in Washington, D.C.
“At the Capitol site, Washington stepped into a dug trench, laid a silver plate onto the ground, and set the cornerstone atop it,” the Capitol Historical Society wrote in a news release. “He was accompanied by brethren who conducted a Masonic ritual with corn (a symbol of nourishment), wine (a symbol of refreshment), and oil (a symbol of joy). Witnesses then chanted and celebrated until night.”
Melania Trump’s guests include a young history buff and AI advocate — 7:56 p.m.
By the Associated Press
At 11 years old, Everest Nevraumont has three regional history bee titles and her own TEDx talk. On Tuesday she’ll add another honor: guest to the first lady at the State of the Union.
“Like everybody in the entire world is watching it, and I’m right there in the same room,” Everest said in a Tuesday interview.
The first lady champions the use of artificial intelligence — one of Everest’s passions. Her TEDx talk explores how she uses AI to learn, and she’s a student at the Alpha School in Austin, Texas, where learning is powered by AI.
Everest said she’s been using AI tools to study the history of the State of the Union. She was thrilled to get a tour of the White House (she loved the paintings and the “poofy” furniture).
Being chosen to sit with the first lady reflects AI’s growing national importance, she said, and also that “academic achievements like the history bee actually really pay off.”
Democrats use invitations to highlight Trump’s immigration crackdown — 7:51 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Several Democratic members of Congress have invited guests to the State of the Union who they say highlight the cruelty and chaos of the president’s clampdown on immigration.
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has invited the mother of a New York City school student who is being held by immigration authorities, while Senator John Hickenlooper of Colorado is bringing a college student who was arrested during a traffic stop and then detained in an ICE facility for more than two weeks.
US Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas has invited a pediatric critical care specialist who has repeatedly called attention to the poor medical care that children and mothers can face in immigration detention. Guests of US Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota include four people who were affected by the recent immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis area.
Marcelo Gomes da Silva, the Milford high schooler who was arrested on his way to volleyball practice last May, will attend this year’s State of the Union in Washington as a guest of Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton.
Epstein survivor attending State of the Union hopes for acknowledgment from Trump — 7:28 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Lisa Phillips, who was invited by Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter of Oregon to attend in her place, said she was “just hoping for some type of acknowledgment” from the president during his address.
Phillips said she is “really close” with the other Epstein survivors who are attending, and while she felt a bit overwhelmed before her first State of the Union, it is always empowering to “stand here with my survivor sisters.”
“We’re not stopping until all the files are released,” she said.
How long were other presidents speaking? — 7:25 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Here are some recent averages:
- Joe Biden: 1:07:22
- Barack Obama: 1:02:45
- George W. Bush: 52:35
- Lyndon Johnson: 50:38
- George H.W. Bush: 45:32
- Gerald Ford: 45:31
- Ronald Reagan: 40 minutes (approx.)
- Jimmy Carter: 36:53
- Richard Nixon: 35:26
Measured in words, the brevity award goes to George Washington for his first speech. On Jan. 8, 1790, he spoke 1,089 words.
Senate Democrats vote to block DHS funding ahead of Trump’s address — 7:10 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president will be entering a Capitol where lawmakers are at an impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security as Democrats demand changes to how federal immigration agents conduct raids.
Legislation to fund the department failed to advance in the Senate yet again Tuesday evening as every Democrat present except Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania voted against it. There has been little sign of movement toward an agreement to reopen DHS since it shut down 10 days ago.
Trump says his State of the Union will be long — and that’s his normal — 7:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
The president says to expect a long address. He’s already been the most loquacious president from LBJ forward, as measured by the University of California Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project.
Trump’s joint addresses and State of the Union speeches in his first presidency averaged 80 minutes and 20 seconds. Last year, his joint address topped 99 minutes – longer than any recorded State of the Union.
Only Bill Clinton, at almost 75 minutes, regularly approached Trump’s duration.
Healey says Trump’s speech will be ‘detached from the reality’ of families with affordability concerns — 1:53 p.m.
By Alyssa Vega, Globe Staff
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey criticized President Trump ahead of his State of the Union address, saying she expects a speech “detached from the reality” families face and lacking a plan to lower costs.
“I wish tonight we would hear from a President who is focused on lowering costs, protecting people, and bringing steady leadership here and across the globe. But we are getting the exact opposite,” Healey said in a statement.
“This is a President who has declared that he’s already ‘won affordability,’ so we know his speech will be completely detached from the reality our families face and offer no plan to actually help them,” she added.
After confronting Noem in Los Angeles, Senator Padilla to deliver Democrat’s Spanish-language response — 1:26 p.m.
By the Associated Press
Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the Democratic Party’s Spanish-language response to President Trump’s State of the Union on Tuesday night, elevating a California Democrat who made national headlines last year after being forced to the ground and handcuffed by federal agents.
Padilla had confronted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a Los Angeles news conference, attempting to speak out about immigration raids that sparked protests in California and across the country.
The son of Mexican immigrants, Padilla said in a statement that his response will focus on “a better path — one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies.”
The Spanish-language response comes as Democrats try to reclaim ground with Latino voters ahead of the midterms, after Trump increased his share of Latino support in 2024 compared with 2020.
Trump’s speech will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary — 1:00 p.m.
By the Associated Press
“You’re going to hear a speech that’s a celebration of 250 years of our nation and our nation’s independence,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House.
Trump will tell stories about “everyday Americans who have benefited from his policies” and also share “tear-jerking stories of American heroes, past and present, who really exemplify what it means to be a patriotic American,” she said.
The United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.