US President Donald Trump set a new record for the longest address to a joint session of Congress, delivering a speech that lasted over one hour and 39 minutes. His address, which took place on Tuesday night in the US, surpassed former President Bill Clinton’s 2000 State of the Union speech, which had held the previous record at one hour, 28 minutes, and 49 seconds. The University of California-Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project, which has tracked presidential speech lengths since 1964, confirmed Trump’s new record. His speech was characterized by a mix of policy defense, political attacks, and nationalist rhetoric, touching on issues such as trade tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada. Trump also used the platform to target his Democratic rivals, further deepening the already stark political divide in Washington.

The speech was met with both applause and strong opposition. Texas Democratic Representative Al Green vocally interrupted Trump, shouting, “You don’t have a mandate,” before being removed by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Green, who has been vocal about impeaching Trump over the administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict, was one of the many Democrats who protested the speech. Some walked out midway, donning black T-shirts with “RESIST” emblazoned across the front, while others remained to chant “January 6” as Trump defended law enforcement. His supporters, however, praised the speech, viewing it as a reaffirmation of his strong leadership and commitment to conservative policies. The political tension in the chamber reflected the deep divisions in the country, as both sides of the aisle made their positions clear.

Trump’s address also highlighted his strategy for the upcoming election, as he doubled down on his policies and presented himself as the only leader capable of “restoring America’s greatness.” His remarks on immigration, economic policies, and foreign affairs drew sharp reactions from both parties, with Republicans cheering his stance and Democrats condemning it. The historic length of his speech seemed to reflect not just his willingness to dominate the stage but also his intent to cement his legacy amid a deeply polarized political landscape. As the longest presidential speech in congressional history, it will likely be remembered not just for its duration but also for the sharp ideological clashes it sparked.