#TrumpCongressSpeech On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of the United States Congress, marking the first 43 days of his second term. In a speech lasting 1 hour and 40 minutes, the longest in at least 61 years, Trump highlighted the actions of his administration and outlined his priorities for the future.
The president began his speech emphasizing the rapid implementation of executive orders, including the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, the World Health Organization, and the UN Human Rights Council. He harshly criticized the Democratic Party and his predecessor, Joe Biden, blaming them for economic issues, such as the rising prices of eggs, although this claim has been contested by analysts who point to avian flu as the true cause.
Trump announced the imposition of trade tariffs against Canada and Mexico, justifying them as measures to protect U.S. economic interests. This decision raised concerns about possible retaliations and negative impacts on the global market. Additionally, the president praised Elon Musk for his initiatives to reduce government spending, mentioning the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), although there are controversies regarding the leadership of this department.
The speech also addressed foreign policy, with Trump reading a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, indicating a willingness to negotiate a mineral agreement, possibly aimed at ending the conflict in the region. This conciliatory stance contrasted with previous more aggressive statements regarding Ukraine.
The Democrats' reaction was marked by silent protests, with many members wearing white or pink in support of women's rights. There were also interruptions during the speech, including the removal of Congressman Al Green after he voiced objections loudly. Democratic leader Elissa Slotkin presented the party's official response, criticizing Trump's policies and his divisive approach.
In summary, Trump's speech to Congress reflected the deep partisan divisions in the U.S., with the president reaffirming his commitment to a conservative and nationalist agenda, while the Democrats expressed vigorous opposition to his policies.