Republican lawmakers and staunch allies of former President Donald Trump engaged in a fervent competition of accolades Tuesday night, each striving to outdo the other in praising his State of the Union address. The speech, which spanned approximately one hour and 48 minutes, now stands as the longest State of the Union on record, and was met with enthusiastic approval from figures on the political right.
GOP Lavishes Praise on Presidential Address
Trump's address, delivered to a joint session of Congress, was described by supporters using superlatives such as "impeccable," a "MASTERCLASS," "powerful," and "Trump at his absolute finest." Many loyalists expressed that it had been an "honor" to attend the event in person, while others declared that his remarks filled them with immense pride for the nation.
Media and Political Figures Weigh In
Fox News host Laura Ingraham took to social media platform X to proclaim, "When future historians want to understand how Trump dominated American politics for 12 years, they should watch and read this speech." During her prime-time television show, Ingraham suggested the address "could've been the best speech he has ever delivered" and anticipated a potential "bump in the polls" as a result.
"Regardless," she elaborated, "any historian who is writing about this presidency has to watch this speech tonight and read it carefully because this to me is one of the best speeches as a State of the Union I've heard in probably 20 years."
Lawmakers Echo Enthusiastic Sentiments
House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "I think it was the best State of the Union speech that I've seen... these are real results, and people are beginning to feel all of this." Senator Todd Young tweeted about leaving the address "filled with pride after so many different Americans were honored by @POTUS."
Representative Lance Gooden highlighted the speech's message, stating, "Our economy is roaring back, the border is secure, energy has been unleashed, and peace through strength is restoring stability abroad." Senator Mike Rounds echoed similar themes, noting the nation is "safer, our economy is stronger and our military is the most powerful in..."
Additional Commendations from Capitol Hill
Representative Elise Stefanik called it "an honor to attend President Trump's State of the Union where he highlighted the significant results that he has worked with Congress to deliver to the American people." Journalist Matthew Boyle described it as "Trump at his absolute finest and may have been his best speech yet."
Senator James Lankford shared a reaction image calling the speech "impeccable," while Representative Steve Scalise labeled it a "MASTERCLASS" with a "crystal clear" message to Americans and the world. Representative August Pfluger emphasized that "President Trump did what Washington said was impossible."
Contrasts and Controversial Moments
Senator Markwayne Mullin pointed to a particular moment when Trump challenged Congress to "stand if you agree the first duty of government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens," calling the contrast "clear." Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino Jr. offered a colorful critique of Democrats in a lengthy social media post.
Representative Russell Fry proclaimed "The Golden Age of America is here," and Representative Tony Wied asserted that Trump "has ignited the Great American Comeback." Senator Bill Hagerty expressed regret for "the more than 70 Democrats who skipped @POTUS's State of the Union this evening," suggesting they missed witnessing "real American leadership."
Critics Offer Starkly Different Assessment
Despite the overwhelming praise from Republican quarters, Trump's critics vehemently disagreed with these positive characterizations of the address. The stark divide in reactions underscores the deeply polarized political landscape surrounding the former president's rhetoric and policy achievements as presented in the historic speech.
