WASHINGTON D.C.— On February 26, at 6:00 p.m. (PST), President Donald J. Trump gave his first State of the Union (SOTU) address of his second term. The President spoke for 108 minutes. He began with a celebratory moment to acknowledge America’s upcoming 250th year of independence (July 4, 1776-July 4, 2025). He spoke on a multitude of topics highlighting accomplishments made during his first year, second term as President.
The crowd cheered as President Trump spoke on lower inflation, gas prices, and interest rates. More oil production (+80 billion barrels from Venezuela), more jobs in the private sector. “Drill baby drill,” Trump said, as the crowd chanted, “USA, USA, USA.”
Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, wore smiles and held a happy demeanor. They nodded in agreement with their Commander in Chief as he spoke and stood and clapped much of the time.
In contrast, on February 4, 2020, then-Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wore a scowl on her face the entire time. She made history when she rose from her seat and tore a copy of the State of the Union address. A much calmer Pelosi was in attendance this year. She appeared to be exhausted. The energy she once carried with her appeared to be gone.
Lawmakers and guests filled both the upper and lower chambers. The First Family was there including the ever beautiful First Lady Melania, first sons, Eric, Don Jr., and Young Baron Trump were there as well as Lara Trump, and first daughter, Ivanka Trump Kushner.
Supreme Court Chief Justice, John G. Roberts, Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh, and Associate Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett were in attendance.
Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) was in attendance and looking sharp in his suit and tie.
Some Democrats opted out of attending the address. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) were not there to represent their constituents.
U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) were disrespectful and disruptive. Both House Representatives displayed their true character in what is supposed to be a patriotic event.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib entered the building donning a name tag with “F**ck ICE,” written on it. Rep. Ilhan Omar interrupted the President’s speech, shouting, “You killed Americans.” They chose to leave early.
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) also made an early exit. Reports indicated that she wanted President Trump to use the State of the Union as an opportunity to recognize the sex trafficked survivors of the now deceased Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump spoke on the increase in Christianity among young people in the United States, attributing the Christian movement among young people to the now deceased Christian activist, Charlie Kirk. Trump recognized his widow, Erika Kirk in the crowd. She was brought to tears by the mere mention of the name of her beloved husband.
The only time that Democrats stood alongside Democrats in honor of the fallen, was during Trump’s tribute to life and work of Charlie Kirk.
The stories Trump told of those who lost loved ones at the hands of violent extremists brought tears to their loved ones in the crowd. While many were holding back tears, Democrat lawmakers would not stand in unison with Republicans to honor them.
Trump stopped and looked at those who could not take a stand, and just responded, “You’ve got to be sad.”
First Lady Melania Trump presented the Congressional Medal of Honor to World War II Navy pilot Captain Royce Williams.
Army Lt. Gen., Jonathan Braga, Commander of the Joint Special Operations Command, presented the Medal of Honor to Chief Warrant Officer 5, Eric Slover.
CWO Slover, of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment piloted the lead CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026. It was in this raid that they captured Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro in Caracas.
Despite horrific injuries from intense machine-gun fire, Slover successfully landed the aircraft leading to Maduro’s capture.
President Trump honored Vermont WWII Veteran George “Buddy” Taggart. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his work to help liberate internment camps in the Philippines 81 years ago. Taggart will turn 100 on July 4.
The President honored many special guests, mothers of the fallen, military heroes, and the Olympic Gold Medal winners of the U.S. men’s hockey team. More details of the awards and recipients may be found on the U.S. Department of War website.
