#TrumpCongressSpeech

On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a 1-hour and 40-minute address to a joint session of Congress, marking the longest such speech in recent history.  The address, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” highlighted his administration’s actions and future plans. 

Key Highlights:

• Trade Policies: Trump proposed new reciprocal tariffs targeting countries including the European Union, India, Brazil, South Korea, China, Canada, and Mexico. He acknowledged potential challenges for American agricultural exporters but emphasized the necessity of these measures to protect U.S. interests. 

• Government Efficiency: The President announced the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, aiming to reduce federal government size and eliminate waste. This move has raised legal questions regarding Musk’s role. 

• Foreign Policy: Trump expressed his intention to negotiate a peace agreement to end the Russo-Ukrainian War, mentioning that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to engage in talks. 

• Domestic Initiatives: He proposed significant tax reforms intended to benefit working Americans and announced plans to expand production of critical minerals. 

• Space Exploration: The President reiterated his ambition to plant an American flag on Mars, signaling a renewed commitment to space exploration. 

Reactions:

The speech was met with notable Democratic opposition. Some members walked out, and Representative Al Green vocally protested, leading to his removal from the chamber. In the Democratic rebuttal, Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Trump’s policies, warning of potential harm to everyday Americans and inefficiencies in the administration’s approach.