Fetterman hailed Trump’s SOTU speech as ‘powerful’ for honoring veterans as other Dems were more critical

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Democratic lawmakers reacting to PresidentDonald Trump’sState of the Union address gave a wide range of responses on Tuesday night on what had drawn their attention the most.

“I think he was able to maintain energy through it.I mean he’s 80 years old.I thought it was very powerful to honor a lot of the veterans there,” Sen.John Fetterman, D-Pa., said.

Trump, now the second most senior president in American history at 79, delivered thelongest State of the Unionin American history on Tuesday.His speech went for one hour and 48 minutes, beating out President Bill Clinton’s previous record of 1 hour, 28 minutes and 49 seconds.

Donald Trump speaking at a podium in front of an American flag during the State of the Union address.

President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Feb.24, 2026.(Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

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�s speech.

Another, Sen.Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said it had reinforced his belief that theDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS)would need congressional reforms.

“DHS has to start acting lawfully, and they are not acting lawfully.They are literally in the middle of building warehouse prisons to detainlegal immigrantsto this country.That’s the definition of lawlessness,” Murphy said.

Donald Trump standing at a podium and speaking during the State of the Union address in the House chamber.

Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson applaud during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address at the U.S.Capitol, Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026.(Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

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Other Democrats also said they had immigration-related takeaways.

Rep.Lou Correa, D-Calif., said he believes the president isn’t doing enough to accommodate undocumented immigrants looking for a lawful way to become a part of the country.

“I’m for prioritizing Americans, but I’m also for being fair with those who have worked really hard thatdon’t have any documents.And that’s, I think, where I kind of draw the line,” Correa said.

A view of the House chamber, where President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address, Tuesday, Feb.24, 2026.(Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

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“What’s wrong with thanking those that work hard — all those immigrants who are in the military — why don’t you thank them?” Correa said, referring to several moments in Tuesday’s speech where Trump had acknowledgedAmerican service members.