President Trump’s historic address to Congress laid out his bold vision for rebuilding American prosperity through tough trade policies and government efficiency. In what was the longest congressional address in modern history, Trump unapologetically defended his America First agenda while facing Democratic protests.
At a Glance
- Trump defended imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and 20% on Chinese imports during his 1 hour 39 minute address
- The President announced “reciprocal tariffs” on all U.S. trading partners beginning April 2
- Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and initiated a major immigration crackdown
- He praised Elon Musk for leading efforts to reduce the size of federal government through DOGE
- Democrats protested the address, with some wearing “RESIST” t-shirts and interrupting the speech
Trump Takes Strong Stance on Trade
In his first major address since returning to the White House, President Trump delivered a powerful defense of his tariff policies against foreign nations that have long taken advantage of American markets. The speech, clocking in at nearly one hour and forty minutes, represented the longest congressional address in modern presidential history and outlined his administration’s significant accomplishments in just 43 days.
Trump articulated a clear principle guiding his trade policy that resonated with working-class Americans who have watched jobs disappear overseas for decades. “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” President Trump said.
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Holding Foreign Nations Accountable
The President didn’t mince words when addressing how foreign countries have exploited American markets. His administration recently announced that additional 25% tariffs will be imposed on imports of foreign aluminum, copper, lumber, and steel, with “reciprocal tariffs” on all U.S. trading partners beginning April 2.
Trump also placed blame for economic challenges squarely on the previous administration. In a moment of relatability that connected with everyday Americans struggling with inflation, he specifically mentioned the rising costs affecting households. “Joe Biden especially let the price of eggs get out of control—the egg price is out of control – and we’re working hard to get it back down,” Trump said.
Securing the Border and Streamlining Government
The President’s address also highlighted his decisive action on immigration, declaring a national emergency at the southern border and implementing a major migration crackdown. This fulfilled a key campaign promise to voters concerned about border security, which the previous administration had allowed to deteriorate into a full-blown crisis.
Trump praised tech entrepreneur Elon Musk for his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already begun significant cuts to bloated federal bureaucracy. While Republicans cheered these efforts to reduce government waste, Democrats protested throughout the address, with some wearing “RESIST” t-shirts and attempting to disrupt the President’s speech.
