Thanks for tuning into our live coverage of President Donald Trump’s mammoth State of the Union address today. This is where we will wrap up the rolling updates.
But first, a brief look at some of what Trump covered in his record setting speech.
President Trump began his address to the sound of the crowd chanting “USA, USA, USA”. Trump declared America is “so back”. “Our nation is back, bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before.“
Before listing the major milestones his administration has achieved since “inheriting a nation in crisis” after beating former president Joe Biden at the most recent election, Trump said that the nation had “a stagnant economy, inflation at record levels, a wide open border, horrendous recruitment for military and police, rampant crime at home, and wars and chaos all over the world”. “But tonight, after just one year, I can say with dignity and pride that we have achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before, and a turnaround for the ages,” he said.
Democratic congressman Al Green held up a handwritten sign that said “Black People Aren’t Apes”. Green was kicked out last year for disrupting Trump’s speech. He tried to hold the sign up to Trump’s face as the president passed by, but one of Trump’s supporters batted it away. He was then escorted out of the chamber.
- Trump said he would be awarding Olympic goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the “highest civilian honour” – the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear ... that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honour.
- Trump says his tariffs have saved his country billions, despite the “Supreme Court’s unfortunate ruling” just four days ago. The Supreme Court justices sat stony faced in the front row while Trump trashed their “unfortunate” and “disappointing” decision to strike down his so-called reciprocal tariffs. Only four of the nine justices attended – Chief Justice John Roberts, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh and Elena Kagan. Of those, only Kavanaugh backed Trump’s tariffs.
Trump was seriously heckled by some Democrats as he praised ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for removing illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. “They’re killing Americans,” shouted Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar, whom Trump has called “garbage”, then repeatedly yelled at the president: “You are killing Americans.” Earlier, Omar called out something that sounded a lot like “you’re a liar and a sick f---” – which is what some other reporters in the gallery heard as well.
His final words after a record-length address? A simple “Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America”. On his way out, he’s told it was the best speech ever. He’s also asked for a dozen selfies. One man is heard telling the president he “should take the rest of the day off”.
For expert analysis, please read here.
Thanks again for tuning in.