I went to Trump's State of the Union. This was the moment when the room's mood shifted.
Business Insider
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union (SOTU) speech in history, lasting over 107 minutes, as reporter Bryan Metzger observed from inside the House chamber. The mood shifted dramatically during the address, starting with relative decorum and escalating into outright bickering between lawmakers. Notably, the only strong bipartisan moment came when members of the US Men's Hockey Team entered the press gallery, prompting cheers and applause from both sides.
The speech began with a familiar disruption as Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas was escorted out for unfurling a controversial sign referencing a viral video depicting former President Barack Obama as an ape. This incident sparked outrage among Republicans, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin attempting to seize the sign. The tone shifted later when Trump brought in the US Men's Hockey Team, who received widespread bipartisan acclaim. However, the overall atmosphere soured as heckling increased, particularly during discussions on immigration and election security.
Significantly fewer Democrats attended the speech compared to previous years, with many opting to skip it entirely or protest outside. Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont boycotted in favor of attending a "People's State of the Union" rally on the National Mall, highlighting the growing divide between the parties. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers filled empty seats on the Democratic side, underscoring the sparse attendance. The speech also notably avoided major clashes with Supreme Court justices, despite recent rulings against Trump's policies.
The lengthy and contentious address reflects Trump's tendency to emphasize theatrics and achievements over bipartisan cooperation. This approach not only highlights his administration's successes but also deepens political divisions, making it challenging to pass significant legislation. For business readers, this underscores the challenges of navigating a polarized political landscape and
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/25/2026