The official theme for the speech is “America at 250: Strong, Prosperous, and Respected,” as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year.
Trump began his speech by touting what he believes he has accomplished in the first year of his second term - including economic success, more jobs and a sharp drop in immigration. The president announced, among other things, that the country had received more than 80 million barrels of oil from “our new friend and partner Venezuela.”
He also addressed the ruling from the country's Supreme Court last week that invalidated the president's tariffs from last year, which he called "very unfortunate."
The president also demanded that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) be restored to full funding. The department was partially shut down earlier in February when Democrats and Republicans could not agree on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - something the president blames on the Democrats.
Removed after protest
On foreign policy, Trump said that Iran has “already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our foreign military bases” and that the country is working on missiles with a range as far as the United States. At the same time, he said he wanted to resolve the conflict through diplomacy - but that Iran has not said what the United States wants to hear.
Trump also promised that he was "working hard" to end the war in Ukraine. The speech coincided in the United States with the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Just minutes into Trump’s speech, Democratic Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the chamber after holding up a sign that read “Black people are not monkeys.” A clip was recently posted on Trump’s Truth social media account depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as monkeys in the jungle. The White House blamed the video's publication on an aide, and it was later deleted.
Democrats boycott
The president was met throughout the speech with standing ovations - from Republicans in the room. The rest of those present demonstratively remained in their chairs without applauding - except, for example, when Trump welcomed the Olympic gold medalists on the men's national ice hockey team.
About 30 Democrats have chosen to boycott the speech. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has previously asked his party colleagues to sit in “silent protest” or not attend the speech.
