NEW: Top Democrat Breaks Ranks to Praise Trump’s SOTU Speech

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., stood out after Trump delivered the longest State of the Union in American history, a 1 hour and 48 minute address that leaned heavily into border security, national pride and honoring military families.

“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,” Fetterman said.

President Donald Trump, shattered President Bill Clinton’s previous record for length and used the extended platform to highlight what he called record-low illegal border crossings, a crackdown on fentanyl trafficking and renewed support for law enforcement.

While Republicans repeatedly rose in applause, much of the Democratic caucus remained seated, even when Trump challenged lawmakers to stand if they believe the government’s first duty is to protect American citizens rather than illegal immigrants.

Fetterman’s comments marked a noticeable departure from the party’s dominant tone.

Several Democrats skipped the address entirely. Others wore protest pins or shouted objections during the speech. Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was removed from the chamber after holding up a protest sign.

RELATED: WATCH: Al Green Gets Tossed From SOTU Address, Has Altercation With GOP Rep. On Way Out

But Fetterman signaled a different approach, suggesting that acknowledging moments of unity, particularly when honoring veterans, should not be controversial.

The Pennsylvania senator has increasingly positioned himself as an independent voice within his party, particularly on issues like border security and public safety, where he has urged Democrats to take voter concerns more seriously.

Other Democrats were far less charitable in their post-speech reactions.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., criticized Trump’s immigration policies, arguing that the Department of Homeland Security requires reform.

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

Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., said he believes the president is not doing enough to provide pathways for undocumented immigrants.

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

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Still, it was Fetterman’s willingness to give credit where he believed it was due that drew the most attention.

In a chamber marked by visible division, the moment served as a reminder that even in a deeply polarized Washington, occasional cross-party acknowledgment still makes headlines.

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