Advertisement

Why social media users were enraged by this State of the Union photo

US President Donald Trump's first State of the Union address made headlines around the world - but a snapshot of the presentation had some social media observers enraged by the lack of diversity of the president's audience.

Twitter was flooded with heated posts about the number of older, white-haired, male members of Congress seated in the audience at the Capitol building in Washington DC.

"A whole bunch of old white men standing up clapping for each other is basically the SOTU," one Tweet read.

"United States of Clapping Old White Men," another woman said.

"I am watching a straight up Rogaine commercial for white men," user Sarah Ann wrote.

But not everyone agreed, and some accused those posting about the appearance of congress as being racist. And others applauded the address.

Mr Trump's line about the start of a "new American moment" plucked a nerve with some members of the public.

"'There has never been a better time to start living the American dream'. Yeah, as long as you're rich, white Christian man," Twitter user Luisa Haynes wrote.

"He only meant that if you are white," Kaya Gravitter added.

US President Donald Trump applauds while delivering a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Source: Getty
US President Donald Trump applauds while delivering a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. Source: Getty


'Start living the American dream'

In his address, the president urged bitterly divided Republicans and Democrats to work towards compromises on immigration and infrastructure after a bruising year of partisan battles that centred on President Trump's leadership.

"Tonight, I call upon all of us to set aside our differences, to seek out common ground, and to summon the unity we need to deliver for the people we were elected to serve," Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump used the speech to try to overcome doubts about his presidency at a time when he is battling a probe into his campaign's alleged ties with Russia and suffering low job approval ratings.

While Mr Trump called for bipartisanship, evidence of the deep divide between the parties was evident as Trump spoke. Republican lawmakers cheered wildly at the president's applause lines, while Democrats often sat in their seats silently.

Republican members of Congress applaud during Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address. Source: Getty
Republican members of Congress applaud during Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address. Source: Getty

Mr Trump took credit for US economic gains including a soaring stock market and a low jobless rate. He boasted about the economic growth he believes will result from tax cuts Republicans pushed through Congress late last year.

"This is our new American moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American Dream," he said.

Facing a deadline on an immigration controversy and strong Democratic opposition, Mr Trump was calling for the type of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats that has eluded him during a rocky first year in office.