In a historic moment for modern presidential addresses, former President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking, over-100-minute speech before a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025. The address, which became the longest in modern history, resonated with millions of Americans and sparked widespread debate and applause across the nation.

Trump’s remarks covered a wide array of topics—from the urgent need to end foreign wars quickly to staunch defenses of new tariffs designed to protect American economic interests. His bold style, characteristic of his previous tenure, was on full display as he contrasted his six-week performance in office with the failures of previous administrations, most notably that of Joe Biden.

A CBS News poll released just hours after the speech revealed that an overwhelming 76% of viewers approved of Trump’s remarks, with only 23% disapproving. While 51% of respondents identified as Republican, a surprising 49% came from independent and Democratic backgrounds—highlighting a broader appeal that goes beyond his core base.

In addition, a Harvard University poll indicated that 57% of respondents viewed his stance on tariffs as an “effective foreign and economic policy tool,” with 58% expressing greater satisfaction with Trump’s performance compared to Biden’s. These statistics underscore the significant public optimism surrounding Trump’s early days in office, even as his rhetoric continues to spark fierce controversy.