While some Democrats heckled and almost all Republicans cheered throughout Donald Trump's speech, four robed figures sat silently.
The Justices of the US Supreme Court were representing the highest level of a separate arm of the US government — the legal system.
While they all politely greeted Trump on his way to the lectern, they carefully avoided any outward sign of support throughout what became the longest presidential address to a joint session in history.
Even as a Democratic congressman was evicted after refusing to remain quiet, the justices stayed composed — never applauding nor booing, an island of serenity while politics played out around them.
(Left to right) Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy attended Donald Trump's speech. (Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)
Yet these justices may end up being far more consequential than angry Democrats in thwarting Trump's political ambitions.
As he tests the limits of a president's powers, the justices will be called upon to determine whether his actions are indeed constitutional.
Reshaping America
While the Supreme Court is supposed to be a separate and equal branch of the government, its composition is inherently political.
The justices are nominated by the president and then confirmed by the senate.
Trump has played an outsized role in shaping the current court, having appointed three justices during his first term, including two who were present for his speech: Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
These appointments have likely solidified a conservative "supermajority" for decades, as justices are appointed for life, enjoying a level of job security that prevents the president from simply firing them.
Republicans enthusiastically applauded throughout Donald Trump's speech, while Democrats largely refused. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)
The court has reshaped America in significant ways in recent years. In 2022, it removed the constitutional right to abortion. In 2023, it ruled that race could no longer be considered in college admissions. Last year, it found that former presidents have some immunity from criminal prosecution.
All these rulings were seen as victories for Trump. But the court hasn't always found in his favour.
The morning after his speech, it ruled against him.
It sided with a lower court and ordered his administration to unfreeze foreign aid.
Most of the justices voted along political lines.
Four Republican-appointed justices sided with the Trump administration, and three Democrat-appointed justices voted against it.
But two Republican appointees, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined their more progressive colleagues to deliver Trump a defeat.
Donald Trump declared his "American dream" was "unstoppable". (Win McNamee/Pool via Reuters)
The decision effectively overrules one of Trump's many executive orders, and demonstrates how the court could operate as his ultimate barrier.
Among other executive orders being challenged in court are his directives to increase White House oversight of independent watchdog agencies, terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and remove birthright citizenship.
What the court decides will help define the limitations of presidential powers and may, in turn, determine just how profoundly Trump is able to reshape America.
Balance of power
The country's founding fathers designed the American system with checks and balances to prevent the emergence of a tyrant.
While the president controls the executive branch and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Congress passes legislation and controls government funding.
When Trump reclaimed the presidency last November, Republicans also won back the Senate and maintained control of the House — though by narrow margins.
Democratic congresswoman Nydia Velazquez holds a sign reading "Musk steals" during Trump's speech. (Reuters: Win McNamee)
Holding both chambers gives Trump a significant advantage in advancing his policy agenda.
However, this power may not last long.
The midterm elections in November next year will see all House seats and a third of the Senate up for grabs.
Historically, the opposition party tends to perform well in midterms as voters express dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
This pattern played out in Trump's first term when Democrats reclaimed the House, and it was repeated in reverse during Biden's presidency.
Given this precedent, Trump has a limited window to achieve major legislative victories. Executive orders, while powerful, can be overturned by the next president unilaterally.
Big moments from Trump's fiery speech to Congress
Photo shows A man points while two other men watch on
With politicians likely to focus on fundraising and campaigning in 2026, this year represents Trump's best opportunity to enact substantial policy changes.
For now, Democrats' opposition will likely continue taking theatrical forms, such as the heckling and protest signs seen at Trump's speech.
These performances may energise their base and generate social media buzz, but they do not present a practical means of obstruction.
Large Democratic-led states are working to counter Trump's agenda outside of Washington, but much will ultimately rest on judicial decisions.
The four robed figures who sat so close to the president during his address may yet play a pivotal role in deciding whether Trump's so-called "American Dream" is, as he declared in his speech, truly "unstoppable."
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