Six weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump addressed a US Capitol controlled by his Republican Party, taking a lengthy victory lap.
“We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years, and we are just getting started,” he declared to a joint session of Congress. His Trump Speech covered a range of issues, from policy changes to economic promises, setting the tone for his administration.
In typical Trumpian hyperbole, he claimed that “many” believed his to be the most successful start to a presidency in US history. He pointed to what he called a shift in the national mood toward “pride” and “confidence.” He even compared himself to George Washington and boasted about the size of his electoral victory.
What Were Trump's Key Achievements in His First Six Weeks?
Trump rattled off a lengthy list of accomplishments, including signing hundreds of executive orders and actions, freezing foreign aid, reducing illegal border crossings, and withdrawing from international organizations and agreements.
He also addressed social and cultural issues, particularly his ban on transgender athletes in women’s sports and his efforts to remove “woke ideology” from US schools and the military.
“Wokeness is trouble. Wokeness is bad. It’s gone, it’s gone, and we feel so much better for it, don’t we?” he said.
Trump also highlighted his administration’s efforts to deregulate industries, arguing that reducing government oversight would allow businesses to thrive. He mentioned the rollback of environmental regulations and labor laws, which he claimed would help create jobs and boost economic growth.
How Did Democrats React to Trump's Speech?
While Republicans cheered enthusiastically, Democrats sat in icy silence. Many held up small black signs with words like “false” and “lies,” silently disputing the president’s claims.
Trump, however, seemed to revel in the confrontation. He mocked his political adversaries for their refusal to cheer his remarks, revived his “Pocahontas” nickname for Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, and took a jab at efforts to prosecute him, remarking that they “didn’t work out” for his opponents.
At one point, Trump turned to address the audience directly, questioning why his political opponents refused to acknowledge the “positive changes” he had brought. He accused them of being obstructionists who were unwilling to put the American people first.
Why Was Congressman Al Green Removed from the Chamber?
At the very start of Trump’s speech, Democratic Congressman Al Green loudly protested, his comments mostly inaudible but punctuated with repeated thrusts of his cane. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called for decorum, and the House Sergeant-at-Arms escorted Green from the chamber.
Outside the Capitol, Green told reporters that he was protesting proposed cuts to Medicaid, the government-run health insurance program for low-income Americans. He argued that the administration’s plans would disproportionately harm marginalized communities and increase inequality.
What Did Trump Promise for the Future?
After spending the first half-hour touting his early actions, Trump Speech shifted focus to his plans moving forward.
He pledged to “rescue” the economy and make “dramatic and immediate relief to working families” his top priority. He blamed former President Joe Biden for economic struggles, including high egg prices, while boasting about an increase in “small business optimism.”
He also introduced a new initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), promising it would help reduce inflation by cutting wasteful spending and fraud. Calling out Elon Musk in the audience, he listed examples of what he called excessive government expenditures.
Trump proposed a series of tax incentives for small businesses and working-class families, vowing to provide additional relief to struggling households. He also reaffirmed his commitment to repealing and replacing government programs he saw as inefficient, though he did not provide specific details on how those changes would be implemented.
How Will Trump's Trade Policies Impact the Economy?
Trump doubled down on his stance on trade, promising further action on tariffs. He defended his policies as “protecting the soul of our country,” despite warnings from most economists that they could lead to higher prices for American consumers.
Acknowledging potential challenges, he admitted that a tax on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China might cause a “disturbance” and that US farmers might experience a “period of indigestion.” However, he made it clear he would push forward with reciprocal tariffs on all US trade partners starting next month.
His administration, he claimed, was focused on “fair trade, not free trade,” and he suggested that other countries had long taken advantage of the United States. He reiterated his belief that tariffs would force trade partners to negotiate better deals that benefit American workers.
Will Trump Balance the Budget?
Trump once again promised to balance the federal budget, which drew applause from Republican lawmakers. However, he provided no details on the steep spending cuts such a goal would require.
Instead, he quickly pivoted to his proposed tax cuts, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. While these promises thrilled his supporters, they would add hundreds of billions of dollars to the nearly $2 trillion budget deficit.
Trump also pledged to eliminate what he called “wasteful spending” in government agencies, though critics argue that such cuts would likely impact essential services. His budget plans remain a key point of contention between Republicans and Democrats.
What Did Trump Say About Foreign Policy?
Foreign policy often takes a backseat in these addresses, and this was no exception despite Trump Speech already disrupting global affairs in his second term.
He reiterated his interest in an American annexation of Greenland and promised American control of the Panama Canal. He briefly mentioned ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East but spent more time discussing negotiations with Russia for peace in Ukraine.
Reading from a letter he claimed to have just received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump quoted: “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.”
Trump added that Zelensky expressed readiness to sign an agreement on minerals and security “at any time that is convenient for you.”
“I appreciate that,” Trump said, hinting at a possible cooling of tensions between the two leaders.
The president also reaffirmed his stance on military funding, arguing that allies should contribute more to their own defense. He restated his America First approach, emphasizing that US foreign policy should prioritize national interests.
How Long Was Trump's Speech?
By the time Trump concluded, Democrats practically sprinted for the exits. His Trump Speech set a modern record for the longest presidential speech to Congress, stretching over an hour and 40 minutes.
Much like the first six weeks of his presidency, it provided plenty for his supporters to celebrate and just as much for his critics to decry.
Throughout the speech, Trump remained defiant, unapologetic, and eager to draw battle lines between his administration and the opposition. His address signaled that he intends to continue governing with the same bold and controversial style that has defined his political career.
