WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump declared his administration’s early weeks as a period of “swift and unrelenting action” as he addressed Congress on Tuesday, highlighting his sweeping changes to the economy, immigration policies, and foreign relations. However, his remarks were met with open resistance from Democratic lawmakers, who held protest signs and challenged his claims in real-time.
Trump’s joint address marked a pivotal moment in his return to the White House, with Republican-controlled chambers largely supporting his aggressive policies. With a firm grip on the GOP, Trump has leveraged his position to reduce federal oversight, realign international alliances, and escalate economic battles with major trade partners.
“It has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump stated. “The people elected me to do the job, and I am doing it.”
Musk’s Influence and Government Restructuring
A key figure in Trump’s agenda, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, was seated prominently in the House gallery. Musk has taken a lead role in advising the administration’s push to shrink federal agencies, an effort Trump says is aimed at eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO received standing ovations from Republican lawmakers as Trump praised his work in uncovering what he called “government abuse.”
Trump reiterated debunked claims that millions of deceased individuals were still receiving Social Security benefits, prompting Democrats to interject, shouting, “Not true!” and “Lies!”
Economic Challenges and Trade Wars
While Trump campaigned on promises to curb inflation, economic concerns have grown under his leadership. The S&P 500 has erased its post-election gains, and consumer confidence surveys indicate increasing dissatisfaction with rising costs.
“Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and get dramatic and immediate relief to working families,” Trump said, blaming his predecessor Joe Biden for the current state of affairs while offering limited details on his own economic strategy.
His administration’s latest move—a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 20% increase on Chinese goods—has sparked fears of escalating trade conflicts. Trump justified these actions as necessary measures to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, despite warnings from economic experts about price hikes and potential job losses.
Border Policies and Domestic Pushback
Trump doubled down on his immigration stance, calling for an expansion of border security funding and an aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers remained seated in protest, holding signs reading “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans.” Some Democrats invited dismissed federal workers as guests, including a disabled veteran, a healthcare employee, and a wildfire prevention specialist—individuals they argue have suffered under Trump’s policies.
Foreign Policy Shifts and Congressional Divisions
Trump’s speech also addressed major shifts in foreign policy. He recently froze military aid to Ukraine, a move that ended years of bipartisan U.S. support in its conflict with Russia. His meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week was widely viewed as an attempt to pressure the war-torn country into negotiations with Moscow.
Several Democratic legislators wore blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) condemned Trump and Vice President JD Vance for what he described as “bullying a statesman on behalf of a thug.”
In the Middle East, Trump’s policies have strained relationships with key allies. His proposal to relocate Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the suggestion of a U.S. “takeover” of the territory have sparked widespread criticism.
Culture Wars and Policy Rollbacks
Trump continued his push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, celebrating their removal from federal institutions and the military. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he proclaimed, signaling ongoing cultural battles that have defined his presidency.
A Divided Response
Trump’s address contrasted sharply with his final State of the Union speech from his first term. Unlike the moment when then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly tore up his speech in 2020, Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the address as historic, saying, “We will not be ripping up the speech tonight—I would like to frame it in gilded gold.”
Outside the Capitol, protests erupted across the country, with demonstrators rallying against Trump’s economic policies, trade tariffs, and foreign relations decisions.
With a Republican-controlled Congress behind him, Trump has secured the political backing needed to advance his agenda. However, with mounting public opposition and economic instability, the battle over his policies is only just beginning .
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