Trump wraps speech to Congress with ‘fight, fight, fight,’ calls for ‘golden age of America’

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has delivered his first main speech to Congress since returning to the White Home for a second time period.

Whereas not formally a State of the Union tackle, the occasion carried all of the hallmarks of 1, with lawmakers from each chambers filling the Home chamber as Trump outlined his administration’s priorities and issued a name to motion for his second time period.

You’ll be able to watch the speech dwell within the participant above beginning at 9 p.m. ET or observe together with dwell updates beneath.

Democratic Response: Sen. Elissa Slotkin rebukes Trump’s insurance policies

11:30 p.m. ET: Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to President Trump’s congressional tackle, criticizing his financial, immigration, and nationwide safety insurance policies whereas calling for a extra accountable strategy to authorities.

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Slotkin framed her speech round defending the center class, guaranteeing nationwide safety, and safeguarding democracy, emphasizing that Individuals need change—however not recklessness.

She slammed Trump’s financial agenda, arguing that his tariffs and tax insurance policies will elevate costs somewhat than decrease them. She additionally took goal at Elon Musk, questioning his function in authorities and elevating issues about privateness and oversight below his management.

Trump delivers longest joint session tackle in historical past

11:15 p.m. ET: President Trump has formally set a document for the longest tackle to a joint session of Congress, talking for over an hour and 40 minutes—shattering the earlier 1 hour, 28-minute document set by Invoice Clinton in 2000.

In line with the American Presidency Challenge at UC Santa Barbara, which has tracked speech lengths since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, Trump’s remarks now maintain the highest spot for the longest congressional tackle—although it’s technically not a State of the Union since he has solely been in workplace for six weeks.

Trump ends speech with ‘struggle, struggle, struggle’ rallying cry

11:00 p.m. ET: President Trump closed his joint tackle to Congress with a well-recognized phrase from his response to the Pennsylvania assassination try, telling lawmakers:

“We’ll get up and we’ll struggle, struggle, struggle for the nation our residents consider in and for the nation our individuals deserve.”

He ended his speech on an optimistic observe, declaring:

“Prepare for an unbelievable future as a result of the golden age of America has solely simply begun. Will probably be like nothing ever seen earlier than. Thanks. God bless you, and God bless America.”

Trump says US will ‘reclaim’ the Panama Canal, places stress on Rubio

10:56 p.m. ET: President Trump mentioned his administration plans to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, calling it a key strategic asset.

Trump gave a shoutout to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who’s below stress to enact deep cuts to U.S. overseas coverage efforts. In a lighthearted jab, Trump informed him, “Good luck, Marco. Now we all know who responsible if something goes mistaken.”

The comment drew laughter from Republicans, earlier than Trump shortly reassured that Rubio was confirmed unanimously and “goes to do a incredible job.”

Trump revives push to amass Greenland: ‘We’d like Greenland’

10:55 p.m. ET: President Trump reiterated his longstanding curiosity in buying Greenland, calling it strategically vital for U.S. nationwide safety and claiming it might make the territory “wealthy.”

“I feel we’re going to get it,” Trump mentioned. “A method or one other, we’re going to get it.”

Whereas emphasizing Greenland’s proper to find out its personal future, Trump mentioned the U.S. would welcome it as a part of the nation. Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, is dwelling to a serious U.S. army base and has been a focal point for Trump since his first time period.

Extra Democrats stroll out as Trump’s speech continues

10:50 p.m. ET: Extra Democratic lawmakers are leaving the chamber as President Trump’s speech stretches on, with open seats now seen of their part.

Some lawmakers made a degree of their exit, strolling out in protest of Trump’s remarks, whereas others quietly left because the tackle continued.

Trump renames wildlife refuge for Houston woman killed by undocumented immigrants

10:45 p.m. ET: President Trump signed an govt order renaming a wildlife refuge in honor of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old Houston woman who was killed final yr in a case that turned a flashpoint within the immigration debate.

“The demise of this lovely 12-year-old woman and the agony of her mom and household touched our complete nation significantly,” Trump mentioned.

Two Venezuelan males who entered the U.S. illegally have been charged with capital homicide in her demise. Nungaray’s mom, a Trump supporter, was within the viewers because the president made the announcement.

Trump mentioned the choice to rename the wildlife refuge close to her dwelling was impressed by her love of animals.

Trump honors 13-year-old aspiring police officer with particular recognition

10:40 p.m. ET: President Trump spotlighted 13-year-old DJ Daniel, who has battled mind most cancers since 2018 whereas pursuing his dream of turning into a police officer.

“The medical doctors gave him 5 months at most to dwell. That was greater than six years in the past,” Trump mentioned.

In a shock second, Trump requested Secret Service Director Sean Curran to make Daniel an honorary agent of america. Daniel, surprised, held up his certificates because the chamber erupted in cheers and applause.

In a uncommon present of bipartisanship, Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen stood and applauded in assist of Daniel.

Democrats chant ‘January sixth’ as Trump talks regulation enforcement

10:35 p.m. ET: Democrats erupted in chants of “January sixth” as President Trump spoke about his dedication to regulation enforcement and crime prevention.

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) was the primary to shout the date, adopted by not less than a dozen different Democrats who joined in as Trump pledged to crack down on violent criminals.

The outburst comes after Trump pardoned round 1,500 people convicted for his or her roles within the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, the place rioters stormed Congress in an try and overturn the 2020 election outcomes.

Trump slams ‘weaponized’ justice system, backs Patel and Bondi

10:25 p.m. ET: President Trump criticized what he referred to as a politically motivated justice system, accusing Democrats of utilizing it to focus on opponents—together with him. The remarks drew audible grumbles from Democrats within the chamber.

Trump then turned to FBI Director Kash Patel and Lawyer Normal Pam Bondi, wishing them “good luck.” Each officers obtained standing ovations from Republicans.

Patel’s affirmation, which handed by a razor-thin 51-49 vote, was some of the contentious for an FBI director in historical past. Bondi additionally narrowly secured Senate approval.

Each events applaud Laken Riley’s household as Trump highlights new regulation

10:15 p.m. ET: Democrats and Republicans stood to applaud the household of Laken Riley, the College of Georgia pupil killed by an immigrant with out authorized standing.

Trump signed the Laken Riley Act as the primary regulation of his second time period, focusing on immigration enforcement.

After the applause, most Democrats remained seated as Trump continued talking about immigration, with some holding up “False” indicators in response to his claims in regards to the Biden administration’s insurance policies.

Trump falsely claims to have ended ‘EV mandate’

10:11 p.m. ET: President Trump once more claimed he ended a Biden-era “electrical car mandate”, regardless of no such federal mandate current.

Biden’s coverage aimed to scale back emissions from gas-powered autos and encourage EV adoption, however didn’t require Individuals to purchase electrical automobiles. Trump’s first-day govt order revoked a nonbinding objective that EVs make up half of recent automobile gross sales by 2030.

Trump defends tariffs regardless of market drop, guarantees ‘reciprocal’ measures

10:07 p.m. ET: President Trump defended the tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico that went into impact this week, regardless of the unfavourable market response, together with a drop in U.S. shares.

Trump doubled down on his commerce insurance policies, saying that on April 2, he’ll go additional and implement “reciprocal tariffs” to counter what he describes as unfair commerce practices by overseas nations.

Trump says ‘gold card’ immigration program will launch quickly

10:01 p.m. ET: President Trump promoted his “gold card” immigration plan, which might grant citizenship standing to overseas candidates who pay $5 million.

“It’s just like the inexperienced card, however higher and extra subtle,” Trump mentioned, including that this system will probably be out there “quickly.”

PREVIOUS REPORTING: Trump proposes $5M ‘gold card’ visa as new path to US citizenship

Trump requires eliminating taxes on ideas, time beyond regulation, and Social Safety advantages

10:00 p.m. ET: President Trump introduced a proposal to eradicate federal taxes on ideas, time beyond regulation pay, and Social Safety advantages, calling it a transfer to supply reduction for employees and seniors.

“I’m calling for no tax on ideas, no tax on time beyond regulation, and no tax on Social Safety advantages for our nice seniors,” Trump mentioned. 

Trump slams wasteful spending, thanks Elon Musk

9:55 p.m. ET: President Trump learn from an inventory of alleged authorities waste, fraud, and abuse that he claims has been uncovered by Elon Musk’s Division of Authorities Effectivity (DOGE).

Among the many expenditures Trump highlighted had been tens of millions spent on “making mice transgender” and funding for an “Arab Sesame Avenue” within the Center East. The remarks drew laughter and boos from Republicans, whereas Democrats remained visibly unimpressed.

Critics have famous that Trump and Musk have beforehand exaggerated or misrepresented sure authorities spending packages, and a few of the claims made tonight stay unverified.

Trump says his administration should act quick to decrease egg costs

9:50 p.m. ET: President Trump addressed rising grocery prices, particularly calling out the excessive worth of eggs, which he blamed on inflation below the Biden administration.

“Biden let the value of eggs get uncontrolled,” Trump mentioned, including that he has instructed his Cupboard to take swift motion to carry costs down. He recommended that the earlier administration’s insurance policies contributed to ongoing value will increase for important items.

Trump calls out Democrats for not applauding

9:42 p.m. ET: President Trump took a second throughout his speech to criticize Democrats for not standing or applauding, saying, “It’s very unhappy, and it simply shouldn’t be this manner.”

Democrats remained seated and visibly unimpressed, with some scowling as Trump spoke. Many held up small black indicators studying “False” in white lettering, elevating them every time Trump touted his administration’s accomplishments.

At one level, a Democratic lawmaker shouted, “Lie after lie after lie,” because the protest continued.

Democrats maintain indicators in silent protest throughout Trump’s speech

9:36 p.m. ET: Democratic lawmakers staged a silent protest throughout President Trump’s tackle, holding black-and-white indicators with messages like “Save Medicaid” and “Musk Steals.”

The demonstration, led by progressive members, is available in response to the Trump administration’s federal finances cuts and Elon Musk’s function in authorities restructuring. 

READ MORE: From hot pink to blue and yellow: Here’s what some Congress members are wearing in protest

Some Democratic lawmakers additionally continued their pink-themed protest, sporting coordinated apparel as a press release on ladies’s rights and healthcare insurance policies.

Rep. Al Inexperienced faraway from chamber after disrupting Trump’s speech

9:29 p.m. ET: Home Speaker Mike Johnson ordered the forcible removal of Rep. Al Inexperienced (D-TX) from the Home chamber after repeatedly disrupting President Trump’s tackle.

Inexperienced, a longtime Trump critic, stood and yelled throughout the opening moments of the speech, prompting Johnson to direct the Sergeant at Arms to escort him out. The Texas Democrat has a historical past of clashing with Trump, having beforehand led impeachment efforts throughout Trump’s first time period.

Trump opens speech with ‘America is again’ as GOP erupts in chants

9:25 p.m. ET: President Donald Trump kicked off his joint tackle to Congress to loud “USA! USA!” chants from Republican lawmakers, who stood and applauded as he took the lectern.

Trump declared “America is again,” highlighting his first 43 days in workplace, which have included a federal downsizing push led by Elon Musk, tensions with allies, and financial uncertainty from new tariffs.

Republicans, celebrating their management of the White Home, Senate, and Home, had been visibly energized. Nevertheless, they face mounting stress to ship on Trump’s agenda whereas additionally working to keep away from a authorities shutdown later this month.

4 Supreme Court docket justices attend Trump’s tackle; 5 absent

9:13 p.m. ET: Chief Justice John Roberts is among the many 4 sitting Supreme Court docket justices attending President Trump’s tackle, together with Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy can also be current.

The remaining 5 justices—Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Neil Gorsuch, and Ketanji Brown Jackson—are absent. Whereas justices should not required to attend, some, like Thomas and Alito, have traditionally skipped these addresses to keep up the Court docket’s neutrality.

Trump to spotlight ‘swift’ motion on immigration, financial system

9:09 p.m. ET: President Trump will tout “swift and unrelenting” motion on immigration, the financial system, and safety, in line with White Home-released excerpts of his speech.

He’ll declare his administration has achieved extra in six weeks than most do in 4 or eight years, calling this the “daybreak of the Golden Age of America.”

Democratic ladies put on pink in symbolic protest

9:00 p.m. ET: Greater than three dozen Democratic congresswomen are sporting pink and burgundy to Trump’s tackle, a coordinated effort by the Democratic Girls’s Caucus to advertise feminine empowerment. 

A number of Democratic congressmen have joined in, sporting pink ties in solidarity.

VA Secretary Doug Collins named designated survivor for Trump’s tackle

8:55 p.m. ET: Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins will function the designated survivor throughout President Donald Trump’s tackle to Congress, in line with multiple studies.

RELATED: Who is the designated survivor? What to know as Trump set to address Congress

Collins, who’s seventeenth in line for the presidency, will probably be moved to an undisclosed location below heavy safety all through the speech. The function, a decades-old custom, ensures that one official within the presidential line of succession stays safely away from the Capitol in case of an emergency.

Elon Musk takes his seat within the gallery alongside Trump allies

8:30 p.m. ET: Elon Musk has arrived within the Home chamber gallery, taking his seat as a visitor for Trump’s tackle. Wearing a darkish swimsuit and blue tie, Musk exchanged handshakes with these round him and obtained a smattering of applause from attendees.

Seated close by are newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, together with Trump relations Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Lara Trump, all in attendance for the high-profile tackle.

Fired federal employees to attend Trump’s speech as friends of Democrats

8:24 p.m. ET: A number of not too long ago fired federal workers will probably be in attendance at Trump’s tackle as friends of Democratic lawmakers.

Senate Majority Chief Chuck Schumer is bringing Alissa Ellman, a disabled Military veteran who misplaced her job in Buffalo aiding fellow veterans, and Tiffany Ramos, who was laid off from her function in Syracuse serving to rural companies.

“These people exhibit the true and devastating human impression of Trump’s merciless and shortsighted insurance policies,” Schumer mentioned.

Different former park rangers, VA employees, and James Diaz, a disabled veteran and ex-IRS gasoline compliance officer, may also be current as friends of Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL).

Comperatore Household to attend as White Home friends

3:30 p.m. ET: The Comperatore Household from Sarver, Pennsylvania is among the many friends invited by the White Home. Helen, Allyson, and Kaylee are the widow and daughters of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter who was killed by the gunman who additionally shot President Trump throughout a marketing campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024.

The visitor checklist additionally consists of Marc Fogel, the trainer who was recently released from Russian custody.

FULL STORY: Who are the guests at Trump’s speech to Congress? 

Zelenskyy says he is able to work for peace 

2:30 p.m. ET: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned Tuesday in a publish on X that he’s able to work towards peace, whereas addressing the Oval Workplace incident between him and President Donald Trump final week. 

“No person needs peace greater than Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “My workforce and I stand able to work below President Trump’s sturdy management to get a peace that lasts.”

FULL STORY: Zelenskyy says he’s ready to work for peace after ‘regrettable’ Oval Office spat

What Trump is predicted to say

Trump’s speech follows weeks of political pressure in Washington, notably over US assist for Ukraine, border safety, and Trump’s push for tax cuts and spending reductions. With a divided Congress and key legislative battles forward, the speech may set the tone for the months to return.

The backstory:

The tackle comes simply days after a tense Oval Workplace assembly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump reportedly informed Zelenskyy, “You both make a deal, or we’re out.” The alternate raised questions on the way forward for US army assist for Ukraine, which has been combating a Russian invasion for 3 years.

Trump has additionally clashed with Congress over his spending and tax plans, in search of deep cuts whereas concurrently pushing for border safety funding. His relationship with Home Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Chief John Thune has been key in navigating these negotiations.

Who will probably be in attendance?

Key figures:

These speeches are usually extremely choreographed, with high political figures and particular friends in attendance, together with all members of Congress.

The Home speaker and vp will sit behind Trump, however hypothesis has grown over whether or not Elon Musk—now Trump’s high adviser and head of the Division of Authorities Effectivity—will make an look.

Musk’s affect within the administration has been unprecedented, with mass firings and restructuring throughout federal businesses. His presence may symbolize Trump’s give attention to authorities reform.

How will lawmakers react?

What they’re saying:

Presidential addresses to Congress have change into more and more confrontational lately. Democrats have staged silent protests up to now—equivalent to sporting white to represent the suffragette motion—however some might take a extra vocal stance towards Trump.

What’s subsequent:

Trump’s speech will set the stage for upcoming legislative battles, notably on spending, taxes, and immigration coverage. The administration’s stance on Ukraine may also be intently watched, as international allies assess the US’s long-term dedication to overseas conflicts.

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