In a rare moment of political unity, commentators and lawmakers from across the ideological spectrum found common ground on Wednesday, December 18, 2025, following a primetime national address by President Donald Trump. The widespread consensus was one of bewilderment, with many questioning the fundamental purpose of the speech, which was heavy on familiar, baseless boasts and light on new policy or substance.
Bipartisan Befuddlement Erupts Online
The confusion and criticism played out in real-time on social media platforms, creating an unusual bipartisan chorus. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate for 2028, led the charge with pointed mockery. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Newsom, who has said his online engagement is meant to highlight the president's "most ridiculous and divisive antics," distilled the essence of Trump's address to a single, repeated word: "Me."
His press office joined in with sarcastic flair, quipping, "Many are saying that was a better speech than the Gettysburg Address." Newsom himself suggested the entire televised event "could have been an email," a sentiment that resonated with many viewers who found the speech lacking in news or direction.
Lawmakers and Pundits Voice Shared Perplexity
The reaction was not confined to Democratic critics. Voices from media and politics, including some typically aligned with conservative causes, expressed similar bafflement.
Representative Ruben Gallego noted, "Well at least @potus didn’t announce we are going to war in Venezuela, no clue what was the purpose of the speech." Conservative commentator Matt Walsh called it "perhaps the most pointless primetime presidential address ever delivered in American history." Meanwhile, Erick Erickson, another conservative voice, simply asked, "What the hell did we just watch? I'm flummoxed."
The criticism covered both content and delivery. Commentators described the speech as "awkward," noted Trump's "yelling and sniffing," and labeled his performance "notably poor." Jonathan Chait summarized the content cynically: "My fellow Americans, tonight I am here to say the same things I've been saying every day, except faster and louder."
A Speech That Failed to Move the Needle
The overarching analysis from observers was that the address, far from being a strategic political move, was a missed opportunity that changed nothing. It was criticized as a rambling collection of previously debunked claims delivered with heightened volume. Matthew Keys remarked that it was "a presidential address that could have been a late-night Truth Social post," emphasizing its informal and insubstantial nature.
Even the anticipation surrounding the speech—some had speculated about a major announcement—collapsed into anti-climax, as highlighted by one user: "Everybody thought we were going to war and Trump is like the price of gas is under two bucks you’re welcome." The event ultimately served as a focal point for bipartisan agreement, but only in shared confusion and critique of a presidential communication deemed devoid of purpose or presidential gravitas.
