Trump’s speech to Congress: key takeaways

In a lengthy address before both houses of the U.S. Congress, former President Donald Trump declared that his return to office marked the beginning of the "most successful era in the history of our country." Speaking before the House of Representatives and the Senate, Trump boasted that his administration had achieved more in 43 days than others had accomplished in four or even eight years.

His speech touched on recurring themes: a push for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, praise for tariffs as tools to reshape trade relations, and attacks on diversity initiatives and transgender rights. While Republicans cheered his remarks, some Democrats protested, highlighting the deep political divisions in the country.

A War on the Federal Bureaucracy

Trump criticized the federal government, citing waste and inefficiency, and praised Elon Musk’s work alongside the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He painted a picture of a bureaucracy focused on diversity programs and wasteful foreign projects while avoiding scrutiny of spending on immigration enforcement and the military.

Renewed Attacks on Immigrants

Reinforcing a familiar narrative, Trump depicted immigrants as threats to public safety while urging Congress to support his mass deportation plans. He spotlighted families of victims killed by undocumented immigrants, despite studies showing lower crime rates among immigrants than native-born citizens.

Brief Mentions of Ukraine and Gaza

Trump touched only briefly on international conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He claimed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had sent him a letter expressing a desire for peace. On the Middle East, he praised the Abraham Accords and stated his goal of securing more agreements, while avoiding mention of the suffering of Palestinians due to Israeli airstrikes.

Democrats Struggle to Respond

Democrats responded weakly to Trump’s speech, with some booing and holding protest placards. However, their reaction lacked a unified message, suggesting the party was still reeling from its 2024 election defeat.

Tariffs as a Key Economic Tool

Trump doubled down on his belief in tariffs, calling them "beautiful" and essential for restoring trade balance. He defended new tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, despite fears of escalating trade wars.

Inflation and the Economy

Blaming his predecessor Joe Biden for rising costs, Trump promised to reduce prices on essentials like eggs and energy. His administration proposed a $1 billion initiative to curb egg prices, though critics noted that avian flu had driven costs up even before Trump took office.

Capture of Kabul Airport Bomber

Trump announced the capture of the terrorist behind the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members, declaring that the suspect was being brought to the U.S. to face justice.

His speech, marked by nationalist rhetoric and policy proposals, reinforced his administration’s focus on immigration, economic protectionism, and a tough stance on government bureaucracy.