Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union Could Set New Length Record
Some reports say President Donald Trump may deliver the longest State of the Union address in modern American history. This would be a historic presidential moment, not just for policy statements but also for its length.
The longest State of the Union address is by former President Bill Clinton. In his final year as president, his 2000 address ran 1 hour and 28 minutes. The University of California, Santa Barbara’s American Presidency Project records presidential speeches’ time.
Trump is no stranger to lengthy congressional speeches. He gave the third-longest State of the Union speech ever at 1 hour and 22 minutes in 2019. He spoke for 1 hour and 20 minutes in 2018 and 1 hour and 18 minutes in 2020. His March 2025 joint address to Congress lasted 99 minutes but was not a State of the Union address.
His 9 p.m. Eastern Time Capitol address is now attracting attention. According to PBS NewsHour journalist Lisa Desjardins, Republican sources say the 2026 State of the Union could last longer than two hours. If correct, such prediction would easily break Clinton’s record.
President Trump has stated that his second-term State of the Union will be lengthy. He said it will be “a long speech because we have so much to talk about,” suggesting it will cover several issues and policy priorities.
Historical data shows that various presidents have given lengthy addresses at crucial occasions since 1964. After Clinton’s 2000 record-setting speech, his 1995 address lasted 1 hour and 24 minutes. Clinton gave lengthy speeches in 1999 and 1998, lasting 1 hour and 18 minutes and 1 hour and 16 minutes.
US President Trump’s 2019 speech ranks third, followed by his 2018 address. Biden’s 2023 State of the Union lasted 1 hour and 13 minutes. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1967 speech was 1 hour and 11 minutes, and Obama’s 2010 speech was 1 hour and 9 minutes.
The president must give the State of the Union address annually to discuss the nation’s state and legislative goals. No time limit is set, although the speech’s length frequently reflects the administration’s agenda and political situation.
President Trump’s expected talk could break the 2000 record of 88 minutes for the longest State of the Union Address. Policy announcements and duration will be the focus for viewers, lawmakers, and political analysts.
As the start time approaches, all eyes will be on the U.S. Capitol to see if the president gives the longest State of the Union address in recent history.
Sources:
The American Presidency Project
PBS NewsHour
Official records from the U.S. Congress
