DID Press: US President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address on record, speaking for nearly one hour and 48 minutes in a speech that observers said leaned more toward campaign-style rhetoric than a factual assessment of the country’s condition. Claiming economic revival and falling inflation, Trump repeated that a “golden age of America has begun,” assertions many analysts say conflict with economic indicators and widespread public dissatisfaction over living costs.
Trump again claimed that the United States had “destroyed Iran’s nuclear programme” in operations last year, while warning that Iran is rebuilding its capabilities and developing missiles with the range to reach US territory. He said he preferred a diplomatic solution but would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Critics described the remarks as a continuation of exaggerated and repetitive narratives used to justify tougher policies toward Tehran.
In another segment of the speech, Trump defended hardline immigration measures and accused Democrats of maintaining an “open border,” prompting protests from several Democratic lawmakers, some of whom walked out of the chamber.
He also praised the United States Armed Forces and referred to actions against “enemies,” including remarks linked to Venezuela, reinforcing what analysts described as the increasingly militarised and confrontational tone of his address.
While Trump sought to project an image of a “strong America,” opinion polls indicate declining approval ratings and persistent public frustration over living costs, underscoring a gap between the administration’s messaging and domestic sentiment ahead of the midterm elections.