President Donald Trump delivered a high-energy address to a joint session of Congress, marking his first since returning to the White House. In a record-breaking speech, he outlined his vision for his second term, touting economic and foreign policy moves while engaging in rowdy exchanges with Democrats.
“The American Dream is unstoppable,” Trump declared, as Republicans cheered the administration’s fast-paced policy shifts over the past six weeks. The speech, however, was met with heckling from Democrats, many of whom staged a walkout during the address.
Key tariff changes include:
Musk’s initiative has:
Texas Democrat Al Green was escorted out after repeatedly heckling the president. Many Democratic women wore pink pantsuits in protest, while others chanted “Resist” as they left the chamber.
Trump mocked the opposition:
While inflation has cooled to 3%, Trump’s approval rating on economic issues remains low, with only one in three Americans supporting his handling of the cost of living, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.
“The American Dream is unstoppable,” Trump declared, as Republicans cheered the administration’s fast-paced policy shifts over the past six weeks. The speech, however, was met with heckling from Democrats, many of whom staged a walkout during the address.
1. Trump Downplays Impact of Trade War
Trump defended his new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, despite market turbulence in recent days.He reassured lawmakers that while short-term disruptions were expected, the policy would ultimately benefit the U.S. economy. However, the response from Republican lawmakers was mixed, as some remained seated instead of joining in applause.
Key tariff changes include:
- 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada
- 10% increase in tariffs on Chinese goods
- New reciprocal tariffs set to take effect on April 2
2. Trump and Zelensky Seek to Mend Relations
Trump revealed he had received an “important letter” from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who signaled a willingness to work under Trump’s leadership to negotiate peace with Russia.The gesture came a day after Trump paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine, a move that had sparked international concern. However, a planned minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine—which would have strengthened economic ties—remained unfinalized.
3. Greenland Still on Trump's Radar
While much of the speech focused on domestic policy, Trump reaffirmed his desire to acquire Greenland, stating:He also vowed to reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal and criticized foreign aid spending, particularly in African nations like Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, and Uganda.
4. Elon Musk’s Role in Government Restructuring
Trump acknowledged billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was seated in the gallery, as a key figure in slashing government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) taskforce.Musk’s initiative has:
- Cut tens of thousands of federal jobs
- Reduced billions in foreign aid spending
- Led to controversial program cuts across government agencies
5. Democrats Walk Out, Trump Taunts Critics
The speech was one of the most contentious in recent history, with several Democrats staging a walkout and others holding signs labeling Trump’s claims as lies.Texas Democrat Al Green was escorted out after repeatedly heckling the president. Many Democratic women wore pink pantsuits in protest, while others chanted “Resist” as they left the chamber.
Trump mocked the opposition:
Senator Elissa Slotkin, delivering the Democratic rebuttal, accused Trump of prioritizing billionaire interests over working Americans and warned his economic policies could lead to a recession.
6. Trump Bets on Energy to Lower Inflation
Amid concerns over inflation, Trump announced plans to boost domestic oil and gas production, pledging:Trump also blamed former President Joe Biden for rising food costs, particularly egg prices, which he said were allowed to spiral out of control.
While inflation has cooled to 3%, Trump’s approval rating on economic issues remains low, with only one in three Americans supporting his handling of the cost of living, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.
