President Trump declared “America is back” in a record-breaking Congressional address, defending controversial tariffs and announcing sweeping policy changes that drew sharp partisan reactions.
Key Takeaways
- Trump defended his new tariff policy with the straightforward approach: “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them,” announcing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 20% on Chinese imports.
- The President declared a national emergency at the southern border while initiating major immigration enforcement operations.
- Trump praised Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for reducing federal government size through significant cuts and layoffs.
- The 1 hour and 39 minute address, the longest in modern history, called for ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict while withdrawing military aid.
- Democratic lawmakers staged visible protests during the speech, wearing “RESIST” t-shirts and interrupting the President.
America First Trade Policy Dominates Address
In his first address to Congress since returning to power, President Trump vigorously defended his “America First” trade policy by announcing substantial tariffs on major U.S. trading partners. The President revealed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and increased tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%. Additionally, Trump announced plans for “reciprocal tariffs” on all trading partners beginning April 2, with extra 25% tariffs on foreign aluminum, copper, lumber, and steel imports.
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump stated emphatically, addressing concerns about his aggressive trade stance. “We’ve been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on Earth, and we will not let that happen any longer.”
National Emergency and Major Policy Shifts
The President declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and launched what he described as a major immigration crackdown. This announcement follows through on campaign promises to address border security issues. Trump also signed an executive order banning transgender women from women’s sports and withdrew the United States from several international organizations and agreements, signaling significant shifts in both domestic and foreign policy.
“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said in what was his first address to U.S. lawmakers of his second term.
Economic concerns loomed large as Trump blamed the previous administration for various economic problems, including rising food costs. “Joe Biden especially let the price of eggs get out of control—the egg price is out of control – and we’re working hard to get it back down,” Trump claimed, connecting everyday concerns to his broader economic message.
Government Restructuring and Foreign Policy
A significant portion of the address focused on government restructuring efforts, with Trump praising Elon Musk and the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for reducing the size of the federal government. The administration has implemented substantial federal cuts and layoffs, which Republican lawmakers applauded while Democrats expressed strong opposition to both the approach and results.
“It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to halt the killing. It’s time to end the senseless war,” he said.
On foreign policy, Trump addressed the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, advocating for peace while confirming his administration had paused military aid to Ukraine. He referenced a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though tensions between the two leaders have been evident. The speech reflected Trump’s second term priorities: challenging traditional allies, implementing dramatic foreign policy changes, and overhauling government operations.
Record-Breaking Speech Draws Partisan Reactions
At one hour and 40 minutes, Trump’s address marked the longest speech to a joint session of Congress in modern U.S. history. The lengthy presentation allowed Trump to claim significant accomplishments in his administration’s first 43 days while outlining future plans. Throughout the address, Democratic lawmakers expressed opposition through various protest actions, including an interruption by Rep. Al Green and numerous members wearing “RESIST” t-shirts to signal their disapproval.
The sharply contrasting reactions from Republicans and Democrats highlighted the deeply divided political landscape as Trump’s second term policies take shape. While supporters praised the President’s decisive actions, critics expressed grave concerns about potential economic consequences, particularly regarding trade tariffs that could increase consumer costs and potentially trigger international trade conflicts.
Sources:
- Shoutout to DOGE, defending tariffs: Takeaways from Trump’s address to Congress
- Trump declares ‘America is back,’ defends tariffs, other policies in address to Congress
