On Tuesday, Donald Trump emphasized that his administration is “just getting started,” marking the beginning of his second term with significant changes. The work of the federal workforce has decreased, traditional American alliances have been disrupted, and financial markets are experiencing upheaval due to an escalating trade conflict.
“The United States is back,” Trump announced at the first joint session of Congress of his second term, while Republican attendees erupt into a chant of “USA.” He highlighted the rapid and persistent actions of his administration, including the executive orders and the executive measures he has implemented.
Trump blamed his predecessor’s energy policies for the rising cost of eggs and pledged to introduce a “National ENERGY Emergency” to promote domestic drilling. Democrats heckled and booed as Trump discussed his victory margin, leading to House Speaker Mike Johnson calling for order. Following this, Representative Al Green, who had recently filed articles of impeachment against Trump, was expelled from the chamber.
Trump addressed lawmakers just hours after intensifying a trade dispute with top trading partners such as Mexico, Canada, and China, which led to financial instability and concerns over inflation. He vowed to impose tariffs in response to any imposed on the U.S., indicating plans to invigorate the economy and create jobs.
The president’s arrival in the chamber was heralded by enthusiastic applause from Congressional Republicans, who have been supporting him despite his encroachment on their authoritative role. His vice-president JD Vance and the Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson were seated behind him, and the event included various guests such as the family of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter killed at a Trump campaign rally, and Marc Fogel, an American teacher recently freed from a Russian prison.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries encouraged members to attend to demonstrate a unified Democratic presence. However, some Democrats such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez chose to boycott the event, preferring to discuss a “pre-buttal” criticizing the Trump administration.
Trump is expected to discuss foreign policy and his “America First” approach, after a contentious meeting with the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, over perceived disrespect.
Following the speech, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan will offer the Democratic response. The future of U.S. support for Ukraine is uncertain, as Zelenskyy has proposed a peace plan for Ukraine, indicating willingness to collaborate with Trump’s leadership. The speech took place in the House chamber, where lawmakers protected themselves during a Capitol breach on January 6, 2021, and after his inauguration, Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals involved in the Capitol attack.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/04/donald-trump-congress-address-speech
