00:00Fewer Americans tuned in to watch President Donald Trump's State of the Union-style address
00:04this year, with viewership dropping by about 12 percent despite it being the longest speech
00:09of its kind on record.
00:10Preliminary data released by Nielsen showed that Trump's 108-minute address drew approximately
00:1527.8 million viewers across the seven most-watched networks.
00:20That figure marked a decline from last year's audience of 31.45 million for his address
00:25to a joint session of Congress.
00:26Among the networks, Fox News Channel led in total viewership, recording 9.1 million
00:32viewers between 9.15 and 11 p.m.
00:36Eastern Time, although it still experienced a 15 percent year-over-year drop.
00:40It was followed by ABC News with 5.1 million viewers, NBC with 3.6 million, and CBS with
00:473.3 million.
00:49Meanwhile, CNN and MSNOW each recorded about 2 million viewers, both showing double-digit
00:55growth compared to the previous year.
00:57Reports noted that a drop in viewership after a president's first year back in office is
01:01not unusual in recent history, with similar trends observed during past administrations.
01:06During the speech, Trump largely stayed on message, highlighting what he described as the success
01:11of his first year back in office.
01:12He also presented several awards, recognized a military hero, and introduced multiple guests
01:18connected to his policy initiatives.
01:19Early in the address, the president welcomed the U.S. men's hockey team and praised their
01:23Winter Olympics victory in Italy.
01:25The speech also drew reactions from lawmakers present in the chamber.
01:29Democratic lawmakers, including Al Green, protested during the event, with Green being removed
01:34after holding a sign.
01:36Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib also interrupted the speech, prompting a response
01:40from Trump on social media afterward.
01:42As the lengthy address unfolded, the combination of reduced viewership, protests inside the chamber,
01:47and strong reactions online became central talking points surrounding the president's major
01:51televised moment.
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