WASHINGTON DC: Former President Donald Trump’s first address to Congress since returning to office served as both a triumphant review of his first 43 days in power and a forceful justification of his administration’s sweeping changes.
From tariffs to government restructuring and foreign affairs, Trump’s policies have drawn intense reactions leaving Democrats outraged, some Republicans cautious, and foreign governments scrambling to adapt. His speech aimed to explain his actions, but it also became a platform for partisan attacks, grievances, and self-praise.
Trump’s speech, lasting just under an hour and 40 minutes, set a new record for the longest annual presidential address to Congress in modern history.
Unlike traditional addresses that include appeals for unity, Trump’s remarks were among the most divisive in recent memory. He wasted no time reminding the audience of his election victory, deriding his opponents, and accusing Democrats of obstructing his agenda.
“There is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy, Trump stated, dismissing his opposition as irredeemable. The atmosphere turned even more charged when Democratic Rep.
Al Green repeatedly interrupted the speech before being ejected by the sergeant-at-arms on House Speaker Mike Johnson’s orders. Other Democrats silently protested, holding signs or walking out of the chamber in defiance of their leadership’s plea for decorum.
The president remained unapologetic, launching verbal attacks on Democrats, whom he referred to as “radical left-wing lunatics.” He even resurrected his controversial “Pocahontas” nickname for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Throughout his speech, Trump doubled down on culture war issues, vowing to eliminate “wokeness” from society. He denounced affirmative action, rolled back diversity programs, and highlighted his administration’s actions against transgender rights. “Wokeness is trouble. Wokeness is bad.
It’s gone,” Trump declared, to roaring applause from Republican lawmakers.
Trump used his guests in the First Lady’s box to reinforce his points, introducing female athletes, parents of children murdered by undocumented immigrants, and a mother who claimed her daughter was secretly “socially transitioned” at school. Branding his policies as part of a “common sense revolution,” Trump largely catered to his base rather than seeking bipartisan support.
His administration’s swift policy changes, particularly in government restructuring, were emphasized. Elon Musk, whom Trump appointed to lead his government efficiency initiative, was a key figure in his speech.
He’s working very hard. He didn’t need this. He didn’t need this,” Trump said, prompting sarcastic reactions from Democrats.
Later, he misleadingly labeled several defunded programs as fraudulent while repeating debunked claims about deceased Americans receiving Social Security benefits. Democrats held up signs reading “Musk steals, challenging Trump’s portrayal of the reforms.
The economic backdrop of Trump’s address was far from ideal. Stock markets tumbled following his announcement of broad tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, sparking concern among investors.
Despite this, Trump remained resolute, defending his trade policies. “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. That’s reciprocal,” he declared, vowing that tariffs would generate “trillions and trillions of dollars” and create unprecedented job growth. Acknowledging potential economic disruptions, he assured, “There’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that.”
On foreign affairs, Trump addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine. Initially planning to announce a rare earth minerals deal with Kyiv, those plans collapsed after a heated Oval Office exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Instead, Trump criticized U.S. financial aid to Ukraine while cautiously responding to Zelensky’s social media post expressing regret for the dispute and readiness for peace talks. “I appreciate that he sent this letter,” Trump remarked without committing to immediate discussions.
As expected, Trump directed much of his criticism toward his predecessor, Joe Biden. Throughout his speech, he blamed Biden for inflation, high food prices, and excessive military aid to Ukraine. “As you know, we inherited, from the last administration, an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare,” Trump stated. On border security, he quipped, “All we really needed was a new president.
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The Democratic response was delivered by Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who took a measured and concise approach.
She condemned Trump’s leadership as reckless and “chaotic,” particularly criticizing his treatment of foreign allies. Drawing a sharp contrast, she invoked Ronald Reagan, stating he would be rolling in his grave” over Trump’s handling of international affairs.
Slotkin encouraged Americans to take action rather than succumb to outrage. “Pick just one issue you’re passionate about and engage. And doom scrolling doesn’t count, she urged, highlighting the need for civic engagement over social media outrage.
Trump’s speech reinforced his administration’s aggressive policy approach and his combative political style.
Rather than seeking unity, he remained firmly in campaign mode, delivering a message designed to energize his base while dismissing his critics.
With his administration moving swiftly, his presidency’s direction appears set on a path of unapologetic conservatism, policy upheaval, and relentless partisanship.
