WASHINGTON – In an address to both chambers of Congress, President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised his government’s actions during the first 43 days of his second administration, highlighting a crackdown on illegal immigration, erasing what he considers wasteful spending, levying tariffs on U.S. allies, and bringing Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.
While Republicans cheered and clapped throughout the speech, Democrats remained seated. Some held up signs with phrases such as “FALSE” and “Save Medicaid.” When Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) stood up and told Trump he had “no mandate,” Republicans shouted for Green to be removed. Green was escorted out of the chamber by law enforcement minutes after the speech began.
“I look at the democrats in front of me and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say or do to make them happy or to make them stand, smile, or vote,” Trump said.
The address, which took the place of the annual State of the Union, showed Trump’s determination to take the country in unprecedented directions and fulfill his MAGA agenda. Congress is divided markedly along party lines after both the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a slim majority, and the Senate, shifted to the right after the November 2024 election. Trump emphasized divisive issues like ending DEI initiatives and banning transgender youth from women’s sports.
“I heard two hours of pitting one group of Americans against another and stoking division and bigotry,” said Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.)
President Trump’s speech focused on his “incredible wins for America,” the “unlimited promise of the American Dream,” and highlighted recent crackdowns on immigration.
Trump praised “record low” border crossing numbers under his administration and blamed Former President Biden for immigration across the US-Mexico border.
“The Democrat party kept saying we needed new legislation, we must have legislation to secure the border, but it turned out that all we really needed was a new president,” Trump said, to cheers and a standing ovation from Republicans.
During his first six weeks in the White House, Trump levied tariffs against Mexico and Canada to reduce the movement of fentanyl, a lethal drug, across the border.
“Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again,” Trump said, receiving applause from congressional Republicans.
During the address, Trump unveiled a new tariff strategy. On April 2, “reciprocal tariffs will kick in.” Describing the strategy, Trump said, “whatever they tariff us…we will tariff them.”
Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, speaks to reporters in National Statuary Hall following President Trump’s joint address to Congress. (Joshua Sukoff/Medill News Service)
“Reciprocity is the name of the game,” Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told reporters in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall. “Let’s create amazing growth for America.”
“This is a time for big dreams and bold actions,” Trump said. “Upon taking office, I imposed an immediate freeze on all new federal hiring, a freeze on all new federal regulations, and a freeze on all foreign aid.
As he touted government funds slashed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump rattled off a long list of programs he claimed were “wasteful,” which earned applause and a standing ovation from congressional Republicans.
“The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over,” Trump said.
In response, some Democrats on the chamber floor ironically pointed to Musk, an unelected presidential advisor leading DOGE, and one Democrat could be heard audibly laughing.
Further promoting his economic actions, Trump advocated for increasing oil and natural gas production to access America’s “liquid gold.” Trump said, “it’s called ‘Drill baby drill!’”
Near the end of his address, Trump said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was ready to “come to the negotiating table” to end the war there. He also said he was having “serious discussions” with Russia.
“It’s time to stop this madness, it’s time to halt the killing, it’s time to end the senseless war,” he said. “If you want to end wars you have to talk to both sides.”
Just days before, Trump berated Zelenskyy and ended the meeting without signing a deal.
Republican members of Congress enjoyed the speech. They exited the chamber through Statuary Hall, praising the speech. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) called it “epic” and “beautiful,” and Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.) called it “positive.”
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.) liked Trump’s confident and decisive tone.
“He took the gloves off tonight. I think it was still an optimistic one for America, putting America first,” he said.
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) also liked the speech. He said that what’s important for Republicans moving forward is supporting the president and having his back. He wants to show Americans and congressional Democrats that “we believe in getting America into the golden age.”
After the speech, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) gave the Democratic response.
“Donald Trump’s actions suggest that in his heart, he doesn’t believe we’re an exceptional nation,” Slotkin said.
Many Democratic congresswomen wore pink in broad protest of Trump administration policies. Several Democrats, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), boycotted the address. Others left the chamber throughout the address. Democrats in attendance criticized the president’s rhetoric pointing to his portrayals of immigrants and transgender people.
“It’s absolute bulls— from this administration and this president,” said Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) after the speech. “I couldn’t take it any longer at the end.”
