U.S. President Donald Trump broke a length record while delivering his annual State of the Union address to Congress early Wednesday morning, Finland time. The speech was assessed by Marko Maunula, a professor of political history at Clayton University in Atlanta, who described it as a mixture of truths, half-truths, and very convincingly presented lies, epitomizing Trump's characteristic style. Maunula noted that there is much fact-checking to be done following the address, indicating the presence of a longstanding pattern where lies can become perceived truths through repetition.

Maunula also pointed out Trump's undeniable talent for political theater, suggesting that this skill is a significant reason for his rise to the presidency. He described how Trump understands the psychology of mass audiences, recognizing the importance of how to perform and communicate effectively to engage them. This insight into audience psychology is part of what has enabled Trump to maintain a devoted supporter base despite the controversy surrounding many of his statements.

The implications of Maunula's assessment extend beyond just the speech itself; they raise questions about the broader impact of Trump's rhetoric on public perception and political discourse in the United States. As fact-checkers are likely to sift through the claims made during the State of the Union, the ongoing challenge remains for citizens and the media to navigate the truth amidst a landscape rife with misinformation, an issue that continues to be crucial in contemporary politics.