The longest State of the Union addresses in history, ranked
Business Insider
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The longest State of the Union addresses in U.S. history reveal fascinating insights into presidential communication styles and priorities. Donald Trump currently holds the record for the longest address at 1 hour, 39 minutes, and 32 seconds during his 2025 speech. Remarkably, Trump and Bill Clinton together account for eight of the top ten longest speeches, with Clinton’s 1995 and 2000 addresses ranking third and second overall.
The American Presidency Project has tracked speech lengths since 1964, starting from the president’s opening remarks to Congress. On average, these addresses last about 56 minutes, though some, like Richard Nixon’s 1972 speech, have been as short as 28 minutes. The length of these speeches often reflects the complexity of a president’s agenda and their communication style.
The list of top ten longest speeches includes notable moments: Clinton’s 1995 address lasted nearly an hour and a half, while Trump’s 2025 speech shattered records. Other highlights include Joe Biden’s 2023 address, which clocked in at just over an hour and thirteen minutes. These lengthy speeches often cover extensive policy agendas, reflecting the challenges and opportunities of each administration.
This trend matters to business and finance readers because longer speeches often signal detailed legislative priorities that could impact economic policies, trade agreements, and market trends. By analyzing these addresses, stakeholders can gain insights into potential shifts in national and international business landscapes.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/24/2026