President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress since returning to office, marking 43 days in power with a speech that was both a victory lap and a defiant defence of his administration’s rapid policy changes.
Trump draws the line in Congress speech
His speech, delivered in Washington, D.C., touched on key issues including tariffs, government cuts, and foreign relations. Trump boasted about his economic strategy, highlighting new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China as a means to generate “trillions of dollars” and create jobs.
He also used the platform to attack his predecessor, blaming Joe Biden for the high cost of living and foreign policy failures.
At one point, Trump singled out billionaire Elon Musk, who was in attendance, praising his role in government efficiency efforts and goading Democrats for not applauding.
The speech, however, quickly became one of the most divisive in recent history, with Democrats openly heckling the president and a dramatic ejection of Rep. Al Green from the chamber after he repeatedly interrupted Trump’s speech.
Reactions to Trump’s speech
The speech sparked strong reactions from both sides of the political aisle.
- Republicans cheered Trump’s stance on trade and economic policies, with House Speaker Mike Johnson ordering Al Green’s removal after repeated interruptions.
- Democrats protested, holding signs that read “False” and “Save Medicare,” while some chanted against Elon Musk, who was among the guests.
- Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury held up a sign reading “This is not normal,” which was grabbed and thrown into the air by Republican Rep. Lance Gooden.
Green, a long-time Trump critic, defended his protest, stating: “
It’s worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up.”
Meanwhile, stock markets tumbled following Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, prompting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to hint at a potential compromise.
Canada is not relenting, by the way
Trump’s tariff policies also ignited tensions with Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calling them “very dumb” and accusing the US of appeasing Russia while launching a trade war against its closest allies.
Canada announced $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs, with Trudeau furiously rejecting Trump’s stance, saying:
“What he wants to see is a total collapse of the Canadian economy because that will make it easier to annex us. That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”
Trump responded on Truth Social, threatening further reciprocal tariffs if Canada retaliates.
Meanwhile, US Commerce Secretary Lutnick suggested that negotiations with Mexico and Canada could resume soon.
Trudeau’s comments sparked nationalistic outrage in Canada, with boos heard during the American national anthem at recent NHL and NBA games.
He urged Canadians to boycott US products and vacations, vowing that his government would not bow to Trump’s pressure.
As tensions rise between the US and its trading partners, the political and economic fallout from Trump’s aggressive policies is just beginning.
