On February 24, President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history at the Capitol, lasting 1 hour and 48 minutes and surpassing the previous record set by Bill Clinton. During his speech, Trump sought to bolster his declining approval ratings by touting what he referred to as the 'Golden Age of America,' presenting a series of accomplishments and showcasing members of the US men's ice hockey team who won a gold medal at the Olympics in a theatrical moment that garnered a standing ovation from Republican lawmakers. He emphasized that the country was achieving so much victory that it was unprecedented, promising further celebrations in the year ahead.

Amidst the applause from his party, Trump spent a significant portion of his address criticizing the Democratic Party, which resulted in a stark contrast as Democrat members remained notably restrained and silent. The president provocatively accused the Democrats of failing to stand for national achievements, mocking them for their lack of applause and even engaging in sarcastic remarks towards individual members. These exchanges illustrated the partisan divide as tensions escalated, showcasing the increasingly adversarial atmosphere within the chamber.

As Trump continued to highlight economic successes and introduce military heroes, the lack of Democratic participation further spotlighted their dissent. The president's remarks on anti-corruption measures earned him slight applause, which he quipped about in a jab at Nancy Pelosi’s silence. The underlying animosity marked a critical moment in his administration, with Democrats branding his remarks as delusional, revealing the profound political divisions that continue to affect the national dialogue.