After a record-breaking State of the Union — timewise — Nevada officials reacted to President Donald Trump’s speech in which he declared that “This is the golden age of America.”

It was Trump’s last such joint-session speech before the upcoming midterm elections that can shake up the power structure in Washington, D.C.

Four of five Nevada’s Congressional Democrats attended and later criticized Trump’s economic agenda in statements. A wave of their Democratic colleagues boycotted the address, including Rep. Dina Titus.

Titus noted a loss of hospitality jobs, and cuts to to federal health insurance programs and food stamps over the past year.

“All of us are struggling with the higher cost of food, energy, and other necessities,” she said. “Buying a home is out of reach for young families. These are the economic realities that Donald Trump conveniently omitted tonight.”

‘Political theater’

Sen. Jacky Rosen described the speech as political theater.

“Nevadans and all Americans deserve better — they deserve lower costs, access to affordable health care, and a president who actually fights for them,” said Rosen, D-Nev.

Asked if she’d considered skipping the speech, the senator told reporters earlier Tuesday that she respects the office of the presidency regardless of political disagreements or what party holds it. Rosen said she felt it’s her job to attend.

Looking ahead, Nevada’s lone Congressional Republican, Rep. Mark Amodei, said the State of the Union would give Trump an opportunity to speak directly to the American people and chart the course ahead as the U.S. prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday.

In a statement, he said he wanted the president to build on his commitment to lowering costs and capitalize on the success of the Working Families Tax Cut.

“I also expect him to point to his success in securing the border, strengthening peace and stability abroad, reining in wasteful government spending, cutting burdensome red tape, and championing American energy dominance, and to contrast that record with the previous administration and serial federal shutdowns which achieve nothing,” Amodei said.

Longest State of the Union on record

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said the address provided no respite to working families.

“At a time when Americans across the country are asking for relief from this Administration’s policies, the President used his State of the Union Address to offer empty promises and spread lies,” she said.

Trump spoke for 107 minutes, making it the longest State of the Union in recorded history.

Rep. Steven Horsford noted the speech’s length.

“What families needed were real answers. Because here’s the truth: if the economy were working for everyday people, folks wouldn’t still be struggling with higher grocery bills, rising rent, and squeezed paychecks,” he said. “When costs go up and wages don’t keep pace, no amount of applause changes that.”

There were no specific mentions of Nevada, although the president highlighted his “no tax on tips” policy which was born during a Las Vegas campaign trip.

And Vegas Golden Knights players Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin were there as Trump honored the U.S. hockey team that recently won an Olympic gold medal.

Nevada governor’s race

Before the address, the Nevada Democratic Party tied Trump’s agenda to Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo.

“After helping Trump get elected and embracing his endorsement, Joe Lombardo still refuses to defend Nevadans against Trump’s cost-raising agenda and even said families need to ‘feel a little pain’ from his illegal tariffs,” party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno said in a statement.

Lombardo said he was encouraged by Trump’s commitment to growing the economy.

“In Nevada, we share those priorities, and I will continue working with the President to strengthen our economy, expand good-paying job opportunities, and ensure every Nevadan has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream right here at home,” he said.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat running for governor in 2026, also responded in a statement.

“The President promised to lower costs on day one and he has done the opposite,” he said. “Donald Trump and Joe Lombardo can claim that things are fine all they want but Nevadans know the truth because they’re living it every single day: Families are stretched thin, living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to afford rent, mortgages, groceries, and gas.”

The Nevada Republican Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.