President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address began amid visible tension in the House chamber, marked by a restrained handshake and the removal of a congressman
Washington DC: President Donald Trump entered the House chamber to a divided reception, setting the tone for a dramatic evening even before the speech gained momentum.
As Trump was introduced, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts stood and applauded slowly. The handshake between the two was brief and unsmiling, reflecting recent tensions between the White House and the Supreme Court of the United States following its ruling against Trump’s global tariff policy.
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Al Green escorted out
Moments after Trump began speaking, Democratic Representative Al Green was escorted out of the chamber.
Green had been holding a sign reading “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” — a reference to a racist video posted on Trump’s social media account depicting former President Barack Obama as an ape. The post had drawn widespread criticism.
Republican lawmakers jeered as Green was removed. Last year, Green was also ejected for disrupting Trump’s address.
Divided chamber, muted applause
Observers noted that Republican applause during Trump’s entrance was comparatively restrained. Democrats largely remained seated and silent, with only a handful clapping.
Six minutes into the speech, Trump began criticising his predecessor, calling him a “disaster” and referring to a “Biden-created housing problem.”
Inflation and economy claims
Trump opened with a sweeping declaration: “Our nation is back. Bigger, better, richer, stronger than ever before.”
He claimed that “inflation is plummeting.” While inflation has eased compared with previous highs, it remains above the Federal Reserve’s target. Analysts have noted that wage growth continues to be outpaced by the rising cost of housing, childcare and healthcare.
Trump’s objective, as he framed it, was to convince Americans that the country had entered what he described as a “golden age.” However, recent polling has not consistently reflected that level of public optimism.
The early minutes of the address underscored deep partisan divisions: a curt handshake with the Chief Justice, a Democratic lawmaker’s removal, muted reactions across the aisle and immediate attacks on former President Joe Biden.
Before substantive policy debate began, the atmosphere itself signalled a politically charged and highly polarised year ahead.
Published: 25 Feb 2026, 08:52 am IST
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