President Donald Trump, on Feb. 24, delivered his State of the Union speech. This was his sixth time appearing before both chambers of Congress to deliver the annual address.
This has not always been the case.
On Jan. 8, 1790, George Washington personally delivered the first annual message to Congress. This was his constitutional duty. The U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 3) requires the president to “from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union.”
During his presidency, John Adams followed Washington’s example. The third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, believed addressing Congress personally with a message was too “King” like for the new republic. Since it was not stipulated in the Constitution, Jefferson chose to send a written message to each house of Congress, to fulfill his duties.
The President’s annual message, as it was first called, was delivered in written form for the next 112 years.
Woodrow Wilson broke the precedent, becoming the first President since Washington to deliver a message to both houses of Congress in person.
In 1923, Calvin Coolidge’s message was the first message heard by all Americans through the radio.
We can thank President Franklin Roosevelt, who, in 1935, coined the phrase “State of the Union.”
Harry Truman’s address was the first to be televised, and the first webcast live on the internet was by George W. Bush in 2002.
Two presidents never delivered a State of the Union message. They were William Harrison, who died 32 days after his inauguration in 1841 and James Garfield, 1881, who was assassinated after being in office for only 199 days.
In 2022, President Joe Biden gave his second State of the Union address to both chambers of Congress. His longest sustained standing ovation, from both sides of the isle, came when he introduced the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova. Remember, Russia had just invaded Ukraine.
In all the State of the Union addresses I can remember, there are moments when the whole assembly stands and applauds. There are also times when the opposing side disagrees with the message being given. They show their disdain by withholding applause and even booing.
Last week, as Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, there were several instances where Democrats, who were there — over 70 boycotted the speech — withheld their applause and remained in their seats as Trump recognized or spoke about:
• Families of children murdered by illegals
• Securing the country from violent illegals
• Unifying against political violence
• Inflation subsiding
• Keeping violent criminals locked up
• Lower prescription drug prices
• Lower gas prices
• Respecting law enforcement officers
• Trump’s savings accounts for newborns
• Banning corporate buy-ups of single-family homes
• Ending fraud schemes
• Warrior dividends for military heroes
• Largest drop in murder rate in 125 years
• No tax on tips
• A 100-year-old World War II hero
• America’s military might
• Massive economic growth
• Victory over terrorists abroad
• Arrest of Dictator Nicholas Manduro
• Protecting minors from gender surgeries
I can understand why Democrats sat on their hands for the last two on this list, but certainly not the others, let alone Trump’s biggest statement.
“I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle,” Trump said. “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.”
We should all stand up for that statement.
Over the years, part of the State of the Union address has been used to honor people who have given so much to America. Many Democrat representatives with Trump Derangement Syndrome refused to stand and recognize those heroes during last week’s, and last year’s State of the Union speech. This tells us a lot about the leaders of the Democrat party.
