US President Donald Trump delivered an unprecedentedly long address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, speaking for 108 minutes  the longest speech ever given by a president to Congress. 

The marathon remarks, delivered in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, eclipsed both his own prior record and the longest State of the Union in history, which had been set by President Bill Clinton in 2000. The speech was broadcast live on major networks and described by Trump as a pivotal moment in his effort to “reset” his presidency ahead of the looming midterm elections. 

Across nearly two hours, Trump sought to cast his administration’s record in a triumphant light, declaring that the United States had achieved a “turnaround for the ages” after he returned to office last year. He highlighted supposed gains on the economy, border security, energy production and inflation, urging Congress to support his priorities as part of his broader midterm agenda. His address also featured symbolic moments including the awarding of medals to military heroes, yet it was interspersed with partisan confrontations applause and standing ovations from Republican lawmakers contrasted with sitting protests and heckling from Democrats. 

Reaction to the speech was sharply divided. Republicans praised Trump’s prolonged and detailed presentation as an effective pitch to voters, while Democrats, including Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger in the official opposition response, dismissed it as lacking substance on key issues facing everyday Americans such as affordability and economic hardship. The address underscored the deep political polarization ahead of the November midterms as both parties gear up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election season.