President Donald Trump declares golden age of America during fiery State of the Union speech at the US Capitol as Al Green protest sparks dramatic removal from House chamber

It was one of those Washington evenings where the pageantry felt almost cinematic.

President Donald Trump strode into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol for his fifth State of the Union address, greeting allies, nodding at adversaries, and soaking in the applause from his side of the aisle.

But before he even reached the rostrum, the tone of the night was set.

Texas Democrat Al Green lifted a sign that read: “Black People aren’t apes,” referencing a social media video Trump had previously reposted depicting the Obamas’ faces on ape bodies.

Within moments, House Majority Leader Steven Scalise tore the sign away, and Green was escorted out of the chamber.

It wasn’t the first time. Last year, Green was removed after shouting, “You have no mandate,” in protest over proposed Medicaid cuts.

Both times, Republicans responded with loud “U.S.A.” chants, turning protest into spectacle.

And that was just the opening act.

Boycotts, Walkouts and a Divided Chamber

While Republicans filled their seats early, at least 70 Democrats opted to boycott the speech altogether.

Some attended counterprogramming events, others gathered at the National Mall in protest.

Behind the scenes, several lawmakers reportedly discussed coordinated walkouts during key parts of Trump’s remarks.

The divisions weren’t subtle. With November’s midterm elections looming, both parties appear to be sharpening their messaging.

For Democrats, the speech was framed as political theater. For Republicans, it was a victory lap.

Trump, for his part, had warned the country a day earlier: expect a long address.

“It’s going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about,” he said Monday, arguing that the U.S. is entering its 250th year “strong, prosperous and respected.”

Trump Opens With a Victory Declaration

When he finally began speaking, Trump wasted no time declaring triumph.

“Our nation is back,” he said. “Bigger, better, richer, stronger than ever before.

This is the golden age of America.”

He touted what he called a surging economy, secure borders and restored global respect.

“Inflation is plummeting,” he insisted. “Incomes are rising fast.

The roaring economy is roaring like never before.”

The economic pitch has been central to Trump’s political identity since his first term — tax cuts, deregulation and aggressive trade tactics.

Earlier in the day, during a traditional off-the-record lunch with network news anchors, he previewed his priorities: a renewed push for corporate and mostly personal tax cuts.

A Jab at the Supreme Court

Just days before the speech, the Supreme Court issued a ruling against Trump’s tariff policy — something he clearly had not forgotten.

“An unfortunate ruling from the United States Supreme Court,” he said. “Very unfortunate.”

Still, he insisted congressional action wouldn’t be necessary, arguing his trade authority was “time-tested and approved.”

In a striking moment, Trump shook hands with the four justices who attended: Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

The remaining five justices skipped the address for the second year running.

The handshake looked cordial. The tension underneath was unmistakable.

Hockey Heroes Steal the Spotlight

In a move designed to generate bipartisan applause, Trump turned to sports.

The U.S. men’s hockey team, fresh off a dramatic 2–1 victory over Canada at the Winter Olympics, received a thunderous standing ovation.

The president praised their grit and resilience, calling them “a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud.”

He singled out goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, announcing he would soon receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor.

Trump noted that only a small number of athletes have received it in the past.

He also confirmed that the U.S. women’s hockey team would soon visit the White House.

In a chamber brimming with partisan friction, hockey provided a rare moment of unity.

Oil From Venezuela and a New Foreign Policy Tone

Trump also pointed to what he described as renewed cooperation with Venezuela, noting that more than 80 million barrels of oil had been delivered to the United States since new leadership took charge following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro.

The announcement signals a shift in U.S.–Venezuela relations after years of sanctions and diplomatic hostility.

It also fits into Trump’s broader message of reshaping global trade and securing energy supplies.

Meanwhile, global tensions remain high — with Iran edging closer to confrontation and cartel violence escalating in Mexican tourist regions.

The White House appears eager to project strength abroad while framing domestic stability as restored.

Trump Accounts and the Economic Vision

One of the lesser-anticipated applause lines came when Trump promoted “Trump Accounts,” tax-free investment accounts for every American child.

“It has taken off and gone through the roof,” he said, describing it as a generational wealth-building tool.

The proposal echoes past Republican efforts to expand savings incentives, though critics question its funding mechanism and long-term fiscal impact.

Still, in a speech focused heavily on prosperity and growth, it fit neatly into his economic branding.

The Political Undercurrent

Make no mistake: this wasn’t just a speech about policy.

It was about narrative control.

Trump is attempting to reset his agenda after legal battles, court setbacks and escalating partisan resistance.

With midterms ahead, Republicans want to frame the country as thriving under his leadership.

Democrats want to argue the opposite.

The State of the Union has always been part governing report, part campaign rally.

Tuesday night leaned heavily toward the latter.

What’s Next?

The real test isn’t what happened inside the chamber — it’s what happens after.

• Will Congress move forward on additional tax cuts?

• How will lawmakers respond to the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling?

• Will Democratic protests escalate into broader legislative obstruction?

• And how will voters interpret the starkly different narratives being presented?

The midterm elections are now the looming horizon.

If Trump’s speech was meant to energize his base and reclaim momentum, the coming months will show whether it worked.

Summary

President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy and defiant State of the Union address, declaring a “golden age of America” while touting economic gains, proposed tax cuts and renewed global trade strategies.

The night began with disruption as Democratic Congressman Al Green was removed after protesting with a sign condemning racially charged imagery previously shared by Trump.

At least 70 Democrats boycotted the address, and partisan tensions were visible throughout the chamber.

Trump criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, promoted new tax-free “Trump Accounts” for children, and highlighted increased oil imports from Venezuela following leadership changes there.

In a rare moment of unity, the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team was honored for its victory over Canada, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was announced as a future recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

With global tensions rising and midterm elections approaching, the speech served as both a policy outline and a political rallying cry — setting the stage for an intense election season ahead.