President Donald Trump delivered a historic and marathon-length speech to Congress on Tuesday night, using the opportunity to attack liberal policies, tout his executive orders, and pledge to restore affordability for everyday Americans. His remarks, which lasted one hour, 39 minutes, and 32 seconds, set a new record for joint addresses to Congress, surpassing Bill Clinton’s 2000 State of the Union speech.

Protesters made their presence known during the speech, with Democratic lawmakers heckling and holding up signs reading “false” and “save Medicaid.”

Karoline Leavitt takes the podium

The following day, newly appointed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person ever to hold the position, took the podium for a live White House briefing. Leavitt framed Trump’s address as a defining moment in his presidency, claiming he was “renewing the American dream” and that Americans “loved what they heard.” She cited a CBS/YouGov poll showing a 76% approval rating from viewers and insisted that Trump’s popularity was at an all-time high.

Leavitt also emphasized fentanyl as the leading cause of death in America, a crisis the administration is positioning as a national emergency. She accused Canada and Mexico of allowing the U.S. to become a “dumping ground” for illegal drugs and defended Trump’s proposed tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico as necessary measures to combat the crisis. When pressed on the relatively low amount of fentanyl seized at the northern border, Leavitt deflected, insisting that even a small amount was too much and that critics questioning the tariffs were “disrespectful” to families affected by the epidemic.

Beyond policy, Leavitt highlighted emotional moments from Trump’s speech, including his recognition of crime victims and Gold Star families. She condemned Democrats for refusing to stand or clap for individuals Trump honored, arguing that their reaction "exposed them as the party of insanity and hate."

A divided response

While Trump’s speech received a staggering 76% approval rating in a new poll, reactions in live chat discussions painted a more divided picture. Supporters flooded the feed with American flag emojis and messages like “TRUMP2025” and calls to follow pro-Trump accounts. Many praised the president for "telling it like it is" and vowed continued support for his leadership.

However, critics were just as vocal. Negative comments ranged from accusations of dishonesty to references to Trump’s legal battles, with some labeling him a “liar” and others calling for his imprisonment. Some users complained that their comments were being removed, while others mocked the administration’s messaging as propaganda.

Congressional chaos and protests

Throughout the address, tensions ran high. Texas Representative Al Green was forcibly removed from the chamber after repeatedly shouting that Trump had "no mandate" to cut Medicaid. Meanwhile, several Democratic lawmakers donned pink in protest of Trump’s policies toward women. The disruptive atmosphere continued as Trump spoke, with signs accusing him of lying and misleading the public.

Leavitt, in her briefing, criticized the Democrats’ behavior, calling it "the most shameful moment in the history of presidential addresses." She accused them of being more interested in supporting Ukraine than addressing American issues, a comment that aligns with Trump’s broader rhetoric but is sure to further inflame tensions between his administration and his opponents.

Looking ahead

With Trump’s speech now in the rearview mirror, the administration is doubling down on its message: making America affordable again. Leavitt reiterated Trump’s push for tax cuts, deregulation, and economic nationalism, arguing that his policies would help struggling Americans. However, concerns remain over the potential impact of his tariff policies, which some economists warn could raise prices on everyday goods.

As his administration moves forward, the stark division in public opinion is more evident than ever. Whether the president’s record-setting speech will have a lasting impact remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—both his supporters and his detractors are more vocal than ever.

(Sources: AFP, Daily Mail, YouTube)