President Trump took Congress by storm with a record-breaking address that has shaken up global trade relations. The forceful defense of his “America First” agenda not only outlined sweeping tariffs against foreign competitors but established a clear message to the world: the days of America being taken advantage of are over.
At a Glance
- Trump delivered the longest congressional address in modern history at 1 hour and 39 minutes
- He announced 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20%
- A national emergency was declared at the southern border with major immigration crackdown underway
- Trump praised Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for reducing federal government size
- Democrats protested throughout the address, wearing “RESIST” t-shirts and interrupting the speech
America’s Trade Fightback Begins
In his first major address since returning to the White House, President Donald Trump took a firm stance against what he described as decades of unfair trade practices by foreign nations. The speech, which clocked in as the longest congressional address in modern American history, focused heavily on justifying his recent tariff policies that have sent shockwaves through global markets.
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump said during his address, establishing a simple but powerful principle for his administration’s trade policy. The President announced plans to implement “reciprocal tariffs” on all U.S. trading partners beginning April 2, ensuring that American businesses will no longer face unfair disadvantages in international trade.
“We’ve been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on Earth, and we will not let that happen any longer,” Trump said.
Bold Actions in First 43 Days
Trump’s administration has wasted no time implementing its agenda, with the President highlighting significant accomplishments achieved in just 43 days since taking office. Perhaps most notably, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, initiating a comprehensive immigration crackdown aimed at stopping the flow of illegal immigrants and dangerous drugs into American communities.
“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said in what was his first address to U.S. lawmakers of his second term.
The President didn’t shy away from addressing economic concerns left by the previous administration, placing blame squarely on his predecessor. “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, highlighting the everyday impact of economic mismanagement under Democratic leadership.
Government Efficiency and Foreign Policy Shifts
The address showcased Trump’s commitment to streamlining government, with special praise reserved for Elon Musk and the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative has already begun implementing significant cuts to federal bureaucracy, eliminating wasteful spending and unnecessary positions that have bloated government for decades.
On foreign policy, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, advocating for peace while demonstrating a strategic shift in America’s approach. His administration has paused military aid to Ukraine, seeking to encourage diplomatic solutions rather than perpetuating a costly war with American taxpayer dollars.
“It’s time to stop this madness. It’s time to halt the killing. It’s time to end the senseless war,” he said.
Throughout the address, Democratic lawmakers displayed their opposition through protests and interruptions, with some wearing “RESIST” t-shirts. The stark contrast between Republican support and Democratic resistance highlighted the deep political divisions that persist despite Trump’s record of delivering concrete results for the American people.
