In a defiant address to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump declared "America is back," touting his aggressive overhaul of U.S. foreign policy, a burgeoning trade war, and the dismissal of thousands of federal employees in the six whirlwind weeks since his January 20 inauguration. The primetime speech—his first to Congress since taking office—sparked outrage among some Democrats, several of whom stormed out in protest amid jeers.
Clocking in at 100 minutes, the address marked the longest presidential speech to Congress in modern U.S. history, per The American Presidency Project. It came on the heels of a second day of market chaos triggered by Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.
Reuters reports Global leaders tuned in with heightened scrutiny, especially after Trump’s abrupt suspension of all military aid to Ukraine the previous day—a sharp departure from prior U.S. policy. The move followed a fiery Oval Office clash where Trump publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on live television. The aid freeze has jeopardized Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s three-year-old invasion, further unnerving European allies who fear Trump is tilting U.S. policy toward Moscow.
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| Texas Congressman Al Green Booted From Chamber |
Foreign policy took up little of Trump’s sprawling speech. He briefly hinted at reviving a minerals deal with Ukraine, sidelined after last week’s disastrous White House encounter, while claiming "serious discussions" with Russia signaled their readiness for peace. "Wouldn’t that be beautiful?" he mused. Trump also reiterated vague pledges to broker Middle East peace and expand the Abraham Accords—his first-term agreements linking Israel with several Arab states—though details remained scarce. Despite Trump’s apparent blaming of Ukraine for its war, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 70% of Americans, including most Republicans, pin primary responsibility on Russia.
Domestically, Trump promised a balanced federal budget while pushing a massive tax-cut plan that experts warn could balloon the $36 trillion national debt by over $5 trillion. With the debt ceiling looming later this year, Congress faces a default risk without action.
The speech echoed Trump’s rally-style bravado. He lambasted predecessor Joe Biden, branded immigrant criminals "savages," and vowed to outlaw "transgender ideology," lacing his rhetoric with hyperbole and falsehoods. Starting with a bold "To my fellow citizens, America is back," Trump drew roaring applause from Republicans. He predicted a national resurgence "the likes of which the world has never witnessed."
Democrats countered with defiance—holding signs reading "No King!" and "This Is NOT Normal." Roughly half exited before the end, while Texas Rep. Al Green was forcibly removed after refusing to sit. Trump, ever the combative showman, leaned into the discord with relish.
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