During his February 25, 2026 State of the Union address — the longest in U.S. history at 1 hour, 47 minutes, 43 seconds — Trump turned a constitutionally mandated address to Congress into what Roll Call described as containing 'some of the most partisan moments in recent memory.' The President of the United States pointed at Democratic lawmakers and called them 'crazy,' 'sick people' who were 'destroying our country.'
Trump's specific attacks included: 'These people are crazy, I'm telling you' while gesturing at the Democratic side of the chamber. 'Democrats are destroying our country, but we've stopped it just in the nick of time.' He called them 'sick people,' accused them of 'creating the affordability crisis,' and told them 'You caused that problem' and 'you should be ashamed.'
The State of the Union is historically a moment for national unity — an address to all of Congress, not a rally speech targeting the opposition. Previous presidents have used it to outline policy, seek bipartisan cooperation, and appeal to the country as a whole. Trump used it to publicly dehumanize half of Congress while they sat in the chamber.
Most House Democrats remained seated or turned their backs as Trump entered. Rep. Ilhan Omar shouted 'You're shooting them' regarding immigration enforcement. Several Democrats broke out in shouted protests. The scene was less a constitutional address than a rally in the People's House — the president attacking the opposition party from the most powerful podium in American government.