Trump declared “America is back” during his first address to Congress after returning to power, emphasizing his radical policies despite strong Democratic opposition, while also celebrating a breakthrough in Ukraine.
In the longest recorded presidential speech to lawmakers, lasting over an hour and 40 minutes, the Republican leader repeatedly praised billionaire Elon Musk for his role in challenging the federal bureaucracy. Trump touted his administration as being “just getting started.”
“The American Dream is unstoppable,” Trump proclaimed, breaking the record for the longest speech set by Bill Clinton in 2000. His remarks were met with loud applause from Republicans, especially when Trump singled out Musk, who stood up in acknowledgment.
However, protests erupted early in the speech. Democrat Al Green was removed for heckling Trump, and other Democrats raised placards with slogans like “False,” “Musk steals,” and “That’s a lie!” At one point, numerous Democrats yelled “January 6!” referencing the Capitol attack in 2021.
Undeterred, Trump focused on his first six weeks in office, reaffirming his intent to reshape U.S. governance and end the Ukraine war, no matter the cost.
In true reality TV style, Trump made a spectacle by highlighting a boy with brain cancer, who was presented with an official ID by the Secret Service in front of Congress. His speech, which resembled more of a campaign address than a national address, did not seek bipartisan support and even mocked his opponents.
He railed against diversity programs and transgender rights, declaring that his culture war meant “our country will be woke no longer.” Trump also claimed to be fixing an “economic catastrophe,” despite inheriting a strong economy from Joe Biden.
He defended his disruptive economic policies, even as his trade war with Canada, China, and Mexico raised concerns about global markets. Trump admitted that tariffs would cause “a little disturbance” but insisted the U.S. had been “ripped off” by other countries for decades.
Trump stirred applause when he vowed to wage war against Mexican drug cartels, citing murders committed by migrants. As the speech continued, numerous Democrats walked out.
A Push for Expanded Power
Trump is pushing for an expansion of presidential power, with his administration supported by a Republican-controlled House and Senate. Musk has helped Trump target the federal bureaucracy, firing thousands of workers, closing agencies, and cutting foreign aid.
“The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over,” Trump said, though early polling suggests that his sweeping cuts and inability to tackle inflation may be eroding his popularity.
Trump’s pivot on foreign policy—particularly his dealings with Russia over the Ukraine war—has shocked allies. After a public dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump shared a letter from Zelensky expressing readiness for peace talks with Russia.
Trump also reaffirmed controversial ambitions, including his intentions to “take back” the Panama Canal and secure Greenland from Denmark.
Democratic Response
In their rebuttal, Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Trump and Musk, calling them “reckless” domestically and accusing them of abandoning U.S. leadership abroad.
AFP
