President Donald Trump delivered a historic and defiant speech to a joint session of Congress, marking his first since returning to office for a second term.
At over an hour and 40 minutes, it became the longest such address in history. His speech highlighted his administration’s rapid policy shifts, covering trade, immigration, and foreign relations, while drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and critics.
A key focus of Trump’s address was his aggressive trade policy, including new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada. He insisted these measures would protect American jobs and rebalance trade relations, dismissing concerns about economic disruptions. While Republicans applauded his tough stance, some within his party remained uneasy about the potential economic fallout.
Foreign policy took center stage as Trump read a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling possible peace talks. However, his decision to pause military aid to Ukraine just days earlier added a layer of uncertainty. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reclaiming the Panama Canal and reignited his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, calling it a “strategic necessity.”
Trump’s speech also touched on government efficiency, praising billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The initiative has slashed federal jobs and foreign aid spending, but critics argue the reported savings lack transparency. Democratic lawmakers protested by holding up signs accusing Musk of corruption, reflecting the deep partisan divide over the administration’s approach.
The president took aim at federal spending, singling out foreign aid to several African nations, including Uganda and Mozambique, as examples of “wasteful” expenditures. He also reinforced his commitment to conservative social policies, including making English the official language of government and limiting official recognition to two genders. These proposals received thunderous applause from Republicans but drew outrage from Democrats.
The speech quickly turned confrontational as Trump openly clashed with Democratic lawmakers. Texas Representative Al Green was ejected from the chamber after repeatedly interrupting the president. Many Democratic women arrived in pink pantsuits in protest, with some walking out mid-speech in a dramatic display of defiance. Trump, appearing unfazed, remarked that “nothing could make them happy.”
Energy policy emerged as a cornerstone of Trump’s plan to combat inflation. He pledged to expand oil and gas drilling, arguing that energy independence would drive down costs. He also blamed the Biden administration for the rising price of eggs, despite recent supply chain issues linked to bird flu outbreaks. Polls show that only one in three Americans approve of Trump’s handling of inflation, suggesting economic concerns remain a challenge for his administration.
As Trump concluded his speech, the divide between the two parties had never been more evident. While Republicans hailed his vision as bold and necessary, Democrats condemned it as reckless and divisive. With the 2026 midterms approaching, Trump’s agenda will likely shape the political battleground for years to come.
