Former President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term on Wednesday, which marked the longest such speech in history at nearly two hours. This notable primacy of the address indicates the significant attention and expectations surrounding Trump's policies. The White House had previously released excerpts suggesting that economic topics would be the speech’s focal point, further emphasizing the importance of his economic agenda for the nation.

In his address, Trump prominently featured issues such as the economy, job creation, and national investments, proclaiming that the United States is experiencing a 'golden age' under his administration. His confident assertions about factories, jobs, and trillions of dollars flowing into the U.S. aimed to solidify his support among American citizens, as the primary audience for the address was intended to be the U.S. populace. The mention of rising living costs was also anticipated, reflective of ongoing national concerns.

However, the atmosphere at the event was marred by the appearance of a sign that read, 'Black people are not apes.' This statement, which emerged during the beginning moments of the speech, overshadowed the proceedings and drew considerable attention. The controversy surrounding the sign exemplifies the intense political climate and the deep divisions within American society, further complicating Trump's efforts to unite the nation around his policy agenda.