Love and loathing for Trump in longest ever Congress speech

Donald Trump showcased his signature reality TV flair as he taunted rivals, energized supporters, and orchestrated emotional moments during his record-breaking address to Congress on Tuesday night.

With a speech lasting an unprecedented one hour and 40 minutes, Trump commanded attention, evoking both admiration and animosity. He entered the House chamber to raucous Republican cheers, taking his time down the center aisle, greeting allies along the way.

Democratic Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico silently held up a paper reading "This is not normal." A Republican swiftly grabbed it from her hands, foreshadowing the evening’s charged atmosphere.

While the address was intended for all of Congress and the American public, Trump largely ignored calls for bipartisanship, opting instead for campaign-style rhetoric and sharp attacks on opponents.

His Republican backers responded enthusiastically, standing and chanting "USA! USA!" after each pointed remark. Meanwhile, Democrats remained impassive, offering no applause. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump supporter, donned a red cap reading "Trump was right about everything," openly defying a nearly two-century-old House ban on headwear.

The tension escalated when Democratic Congressman Al Green interrupted Trump, shouting, "You don’t have a mandate!" Republicans drowned out his protest with chants, and security soon removed him from the chamber.

True to his showman persona, Trump orchestrated several dramatic moments. He honored a 13-year-old cancer patient by making him an honorary Secret Service agent and surprised a student in attendance with the news of his acceptance into West Point—eliciting stunned delight.

Democratic Support for Ukraine -

Following Trump’s heated White House exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Democrats made a visual statement of solidarity with Ukraine. Many wore scarves, ties, or lapel pins in the country’s blue and yellow colors, expressing discontent with Trump’s handling of the war effort.

Others wore pink in defiance of what they see as his administration’s anti-women stance. Some Democratic lawmakers exited early, with Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett unveiling a "Resist" t-shirt as she left.

Musk in the Audience -

Despite Trump’s dominance over the room, empty seats were noticeable. Some Democrats had boycotted the speech entirely, while others trickled out as the lengthy address continued.

Among the spectators was billionaire Elon Musk, a vocal advocate for slashing federal bureaucracy and a key Trump ally. Though merely an observer, Musk still drew media attention, especially when Trump acknowledged his contributions to the Republican cause, prompting applause.

Outside the Capitol, a small group of demonstrators carried signs reading "Stand up to tyranny" and "Musk must go." Seemingly unfazed, Trump delivered a closing remark that underscored his defiance: "We're just getting started."

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.