Just six weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump stood before a Republican-controlled U.S. Capitol, delivering a speech that felt more like a victory lap than a policy address.
“We’ve achieved more in 43 days than most administrations do in years,” he declared to Congress, exuding confidence as he touted his early accomplishments.
Trump, never one to shy away from grand statements, even likened his presidency’s start to some of the most successful in U.S. history.
He spoke of a revived sense of national pride and confidence and, in typical fashion, highlighted the scale of his electoral victory.
A Rapid-Fire List of Achievements
The fast-paced nature of Trump’s presidency provided him with ample material to discuss.
He detailed his administration’s swift actions, including the signing of numerous executive orders, freezing foreign aid, reducing illegal border crossings, and withdrawing from international agreements.
He also emphasised policies targeting transgender athletes in women’s sports and efforts to eliminate what he called “woke ideology” from schools and the military.
“Wokeness is trouble. Wokeness is bad. It’s gone, and we feel so much better for it,” he declared to cheers from his supporters, while Democrats in the chamber remained stone-faced.
A Divided Audience
While Republicans applauded enthusiastically, Democrats reacted with icy silence. Some held small black signs with words like “false” and “lies” in silent protest.
Trump seemed to relish the opposition, using the moment to mock his critics, referring to Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren by his controversial “Pocahontas” nickname and quipping about failed legal efforts against him.
One moment of heightened tension came at the start of the speech when Democratic Congressman Al Green vocally interrupted the president.
Wielding his cane for emphasis, he protested proposed Medicaid cuts before being escorted out by the House Sergeant-at-Arms.
Pushing Forward with Policy Promises
After reflecting on his initial achievements, Trump outlined his future plans, making bold economic promises.
He criticised Joe Biden for high inflation and rising egg prices, vowing to “rescue” the economy and prioritise immediate relief for working families.
He also introduced his Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), claiming it would cut inflation by eliminating wasteful spending.
Trade policies were another focal point. Trump doubled down on his tariffs, arguing they protected American industries, despite warnings from economists that such measures could drive up consumer prices.
He acknowledged potential short-term disruptions, including higher costs for farmers, but showed no sign of backing down, vowing to implement reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trade partners the following month.
While he promised to balance the budget, he avoided detailing the significant cuts necessary to achieve this goal. Instead, he pushed for tax cuts, including exemptions for tips, overtime, and Social Security, despite concerns about the impact on the already ballooning budget deficit.
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Foreign Policy and Global Relations
Foreign affairs took a backseat in Trump’s address, though he did touch on key international matters. He reiterated his controversial desire to annex Greenland and asserted U.S. control over the Panama Canal.
Mentions of the Middle East were brief, but he focused more extensively on negotiations with Russia over Ukraine.
He read from a letter supposedly sent by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which expressed readiness to work under Trump’s leadership for lasting peace.
The letter also hinted at potential agreements on minerals and security.
A Speech That Left Its Mark
By the time Trump concluded his address, setting a modern record for the longest presidential speech, reactions were predictably split.
His supporters celebrated his aggressive stance, while his critics, many of whom had already left the chamber, saw it as yet another example of his divisive leadership.
As Trump continues his presidency, the nation remains as polarised as ever, with his every move fuelling both fervent support and staunch opposition.
