Donald Trump delivered a defiant and theatrical speech to Congress on Tuesday, declaring “America is back” as he highlighted his administration’s sweeping policies, praised Elon Musk’s influence, and claimed a breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks.
The address, which lasted over one hour and 40 minutes—breaking Bill Clinton’s 2000 record for the longest presidential speech to lawmakers—was met with thunderous applause from Republicans and intense opposition from Democrats.
A Divisive Address
Trump’s speech doubled down on his signature rhetoric, portraying himself as a transformative leader dismantling federal bureaucracy. He praised Musk’s role in cutting government agencies and policies, with the billionaire standing to acknowledge cheers from Republican lawmakers.
However, Democratic opposition was fierce. Congressman Al Green was ejected after repeatedly heckling Trump over healthcare, while others silently held protest signs reading “False,” “Musk steals,” and “That’s a lie.” Chants of “January 6!” erupted as Trump spoke, a stark reminder of the Capitol riot following his 2020 election loss.
Undeterred, Trump celebrated his administration’s agenda, vowing to continue his efforts to reshape the U.S. government. “The American Dream is unstoppable,” he proclaimed to chants of “USA” and “Trump, Trump, Trump.”
Reality TV Spectacle and Culture War
True to his reality TV instincts, Trump staged emotional moments, such as highlighting a young cancer patient receiving an honorary Secret Service badge. Yet, his address often took on the tone of a campaign rally, ridiculing Democrats and boasting about his push against diversity programs and transgender rights.
He painted a dire picture of the economy, despite inheriting what had been the strongest developed economy from his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. He defended his controversial trade war against Canada, China, and Mexico, admitting it may cause “a little disturbance” but insisting it was necessary to stop the U.S. from being “ripped off for decades.”
On immigration, Trump pledged to “wage war” on Mexican drug cartels, linking them to violent crimes in the U.S. His remarks were met with Republican cheers, while many Democrats walked out before he finished speaking.
Foreign Policy Shifts and Power Moves
Trump’s foreign policy statements were just as provocative. He announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had agreed to peace talks with Russia, claiming a personal diplomatic victory.
“I received an important letter from President Zelensky of Ukraine. The letter reads (that) Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” Trump declared, sparking concerns among U.S. allies.
Additionally, he revived controversial ambitions of reclaiming the Panama Canal and acquiring Greenland from Denmark, stating it would happen “one way or another.”
Musk’s Influence and Democratic Rebuttal
Trump emphasized his administration’s crackdown on the federal bureaucracy, aided by Musk’s initiatives, which included mass firings and agency shutdowns. “The days of rule by unelected bureaucrats are over,” he stated.
Despite the applause from his base, early polling suggests that Trump’s drastic policy shifts and failure to address inflation may be hurting his popularity.
In the Democratic response, Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Trump and Musk as “reckless” and accused them of abandoning America’s global leadership. She framed Trump’s approach as dangerous, warning that his policies were eroding international trust in the U.S.
As Trump pushes his agenda forward, the political battle lines are drawn, with Democrats struggling to counter his media dominance while Republicans rally behind their leader’s aggressive vision for America’s future.
