Memorable moments from President Trump's state of the union address

Continuous applause from members of Congress and a lawmaker's removal from the chamber marked notable moments during President Trump's state of the union address.

President Trump's children listened to their father's speech.

President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term on the evening of 24/2, addressing the US House of Representatives chamber amidst policy pressures and declining approval ratings.

He received a warm welcome from most members of Congress present. The US President greeted and conversed with many as he walked, with some lawmakers even requesting selfies with him.

President Trump praised his son-in-law Jared Kushner (center, back row) and US envoy Steve Witkoff for their work in negotiating a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Democratic Representative Al Green stood near President Trump's path, holding a sign that read, "Black people are not apes". Mr. Green appeared to reference President Trump's earlier social media post, which featured images of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama superimposed onto ape bodies.

Mr. Green was subsequently escorted from the chamber.

Last year, Representative Al Green was also asked to leave the US House of Representatives chamber during President Trump's speech, after he stood up and waved his cane toward the White House occupant.

President Trump's notable statements in the State of the Union address on the evening of 24/2. Video: *NBC News*, *White House*

At the end of his speech, President Trump departed with a smile amidst support from members of Congress. Republican Representative Kat Cammack even ran to take a photo with him.

The US President began his speech by declaring that the United States had returned, stronger, better, wealthier, and more powerful than ever. "This is America's golden age", he stated.

President Trump consistently praised his administration's achievements in areas such as the economy and border security, while criticizing his predecessor Joe Biden.

Among those praised by President Trump were the athletes of the men's hockey team, who had just won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. They appeared and held up their medals to resounding applause.

President Trump announced he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award, to goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, emphasizing that the athlete was "highly deserving".

Members of Congress continuously stood and applauded in support during President Trump's speech.

In contrast to the enthusiasm from Republicans, many Democratic members of Congress openly showed their disapproval during President Trump's address.

At one point, President Trump asked all lawmakers in the chamber to stand if they agreed that "the first duty of the US government is to protect US citizens, not undocumented immigrants", and also called for restoring funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

All Republican members of Congress stood, while many Democratic members did not. "You should be ashamed for not standing up", President Trump said.

"You have killed Americans", Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar retorted.

President Trump's State of the Union address lasted 108 minutes, making it the longest since State of the Union addresses began being televised in the US in 1964, and surpassing the record of 1 hour, 28 minutes, 49 seconds set by former President Bill Clinton in 2000.

President Trump's address to the US Congress last year also lasted 1 hour, 29 minutes, 32 seconds, setting a record for the duration of an annual address to Congress.