5 unforgettable moments from Trump’s record-breaking State of the Union address

President Donald Trump honored U.S. Olympic hockey team and seven-year-old crash survivor Dalilah Coleman during his historic State of the Union address. Donald Trump 5 unforgettable moments from Trump’s record-breaking State of the Union address Trump's lengthy speech featured Al Green's ejection and honors for the Olympic hockey team, heroic troops By Emma Colton Fox News Published February 25, 2026 5:00am EST Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video President Donald Trump: Our nation is back President Donald Trump touts the nation's comeback and 'golden age of America' during the State of the Union address. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump's lengthy State of the Union address Tuesday evening included a handful of attention-grabbing moments that stole the show as the president touted a national "turnaround" in a speech heavily focused on the economy. Trump's speech beat records, becoming the longest SOTU speech in modern history at about an hour and 48 minutes. It highlighted his administration's efforts to cut taxes, ease housing costs and lock down the border as he touted turning a new page for the nation.Fox News Digital compiled the top five moments of the speech, stretching from Democrat outbursts to moments of heightened emotion as Trump spotlighted American heroism. Video1. Al Green ejected again Democratic Texas Rep. Al Green was once again ejected from the joint address after holding a sign declaring, "Black people aren't apes!" Green held the sign as Trump made his way to the dais Tuesday evening, and remained standing with the sign even after Trump began the speech. Green was spotted in a heated back and forth with two House Republicans, Reps. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, and Pat Fallon, R-Texas, before he was escorted out of the speech shortly after it began. The longtime Texas left-wing lawmaker was removed by security during Trump's 2025 joint address to Congress after repeatedly interrupting the president by shouting and shaking his cane. The outburst led to the House censuring Green, including 10 Democrats joining the GOP in the March 2025 vote. Video2. ‘USA’ chants break out as men's hockey team honored Trump invited the U.S. men's hockey team to the speech, just days after their gold medal win over Canada at the Winter Olympics. The body broke out into chants of "USA" as lawmakers of both parties stood to honor the Olympians. The team filled the aisles of the chamber as Trump welcomed them as examples of American triumph during his speech. Hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, in particular, received a hero's welcome when Trump announced he would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hellebuyck made 41 saves during the U.S.' game against Canada Sunday, which helped keep the score tied at 1–1, forcing it into overtime.MEDAL OF HONOR FOR STAFF SGT MICHAEL OLLIS AFTER 13 YEARS BRINGS BITTERSWEET 'VALIDATION,' SISTER SAYS"I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, which we will be given and which has been given to many athletes over the years," Trump said. "But when I say many, not too many, like 12. It's called the highest civilian honor in our country. The Presidential Medal of Freedom." Video3. Trump reprimands Dems: ‘You should be ashamed’ Trump's speech included dinging Democrats for voting against tax cuts under the "big, beautiful bill," for unleashing sky-high inflation woes under the Biden administration and for allegedly worsening the housing crisis. At one point, Trump took direct aim at Democrats' lax immigration policies, calling on lawmakers to stand and reaffirm their belief that the "first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.""One of the great things about the State of the Union is how it gives Americans a chance to see clearly what their representatives really believe," Trump said. "So tonight, I'm inviting every legislator to join with my administration and reaffirming a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." Republicans were seen standing and applauding, while Democrats remained seated, leading to Trump admonishing left-wing lawmakers. Democratic Texas Rep. Al Green was once again ejected from the joint address after holding a sign declaring, "Black people aren't apes!" (Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images ) "Isn't that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up," Trump said. "That is why I'm also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who blocked the removal of criminal aliens." "In many cases, drug lords, murderers all over our country," he said. "They’re blocking the removal of these people out of our country. And you should be ashamed of yourself." The speech already had sparked Minnesota Democratic Rep Ilhan Omar to shout at Trump, including claiming he's "killed Americans." TRUMP CALLS FAMILY OF STAFF SGT OLLIS TO CONFIRM MEDAL OF