After a speech focused largely on his administration’s domestic achievements — but marred from the outset by Democrat Congressman Al Green raising a sign stating “Black People are not apes” — Trump turned his sights directly on his Democratic opponents, using the platform to launch an explosive attack.

He said: “Tonight I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration to reafirm a fundamental principle.

“If you agree with this statement then stand up and show your support: The first duty of any government is to protect the American citizens not illegal aliens.”

Republican lawmakers swiftly rose to their feet in applause, whilst Democrats appeared to remain seated throughout.

After the standing ovation from his supporters subsided, Trump rounded on his opponents.

“You shoulld be ashamed of yourself not standing up. You should be ashamed of yourself.

“That is why I am also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect the criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, in many cases drug lords, murderers all over our country.

“They are blocking the removal of these people out of our country and you should be ashamed of yourself.”

The bombastic condemnation of the Democrat-wide sanctuary cities, which refuse to allow law local law enforcement to cooperate with Federal ICE and border agents, was greeted by loud cheers and ferocious booing in Capitol Hill.

Democrat Representative Ilhan Omar of Minneapolis, who has clashed publically with Trump on many occasions already, was reported to have shouted “You have killed Americans,” followed by “You’re a murderer.” to which Trump responded agains with “You should be ashamed.”

Republicans drowned out the aghast Democrats with loud chating of “U-S-A, U-S-A.”

On the 250th year of the birth of the American state, Republican hoped to convince an increasingly wary American voter base that his policies have improved their lives whilst also ensuring the US economy is stronger than many believe — and that they should vote for more of the same in November as House Republicans scramble to keep their fragile majority in the lower congressional chamber.

The balancing act of celebrating his whirlwind first year back in the White House whilst also making a convincing case for his party ahead of the midterms — during which he personally won’t be on the ballot — is a tall order for any president, but could prove especially delicate for Trump, given his tendency to veer off script and ignore carefully crafted messaging presented by his team.

One of the main themes will be that the country is booming, with a rise in domestic manufacturing and new jobs, despite many Americans not feeling that way.