TL/DR –
In a recent address to Congress, President Donald Trump pledged to continue his campaign of swift and unrelenting changes to America’s economy, immigration, and foreign policy. Despite opposition and critics, Trump has been successful in cutting the size of the federal government and changing America’s global positioning. Notably, his speech addressed his trade policies, tax cuts, crackdown on migration, and he also revealed plans to offer relief to working families by aiming to lower costs on eggs and energy.
Trump’s Unyielding Address Targets Economic, Immigration, and Foreign Policy Reorientation
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump pledged to persist in his campaign of “swift and unrelenting action” to transform the nation’s economy, immigration, and foreign policy in a steadfast address before Congress. The Democrats responded with stern expressions, protest signs, and one ejection. Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, delivering the Democratic response, argued for responsible change that respects democratic values.
Watch White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s news briefing in the player above.
Trump’s Campaign to Slash Federal Government and Remake US Global Standing
Trump’s prime-time speech underscored his determination to follow through on his campaign promises and rescuing the nation from the alleged miscalculations of his predecessor. Despite the shockwaves his actions have generated among the American people, Trump has remained defiant, continually criticizing Democratic lawmakers.
Trump, supported by billionaire adviser Elon Musk, is working to “reclaim democracy from this unaccountable bureaucracy.” Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX founder, received two standing ovations from Republicans in the gallery. Trump repeated false claims about alleged government abuse and Social Security payments to dead people for over 100 years, which were met with Democrats’ protests.
Trump’s Trade Policies Amid Economic Challenges
With the public seeing inflation worsen and the S&P 500 losing all the gains made since Election Day, Trump is prepared to continue his trade policies despite expert warnings of price increases for consumers. He promised to offset the economic fallout of tariffs with a federal government plan to lower food and energy costs and extend his first-term tax cuts.
Trump on Immigration and Domestic Policies
Trump further pledged to intensify his border crackdown, including his planned “mass deportation” efforts, blaming the situation on his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. He also called for extended tax cuts and additional federal funding for his border crackdown while celebrating his migration crackdown, provocatively stating, “all we really needed was a new president.”
Democrats’ Opposition and Economic Uncertainty
Despite Republicans’ jubilation over controlling the White House, Senate, and House, they face the daunting task of delivering Trump’s agenda and avoiding a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Democrats, out of power, conspicuously demonstrated their opposition, with some holding up signs criticizing Trump’s policies, and others bringing fired federal workers as guests to highlight the impact of his actions.
Trump’s Foreign Policy Shifts
Trump also outlined his plans to foster peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, where he’s drastically altered Biden’s policies. He mentioned a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicating a desire for renewed peace talks with Russia. He also announced the capture of the suspect responsible for the 2021 suicide bombing at the Kabul airport.
Trump’s speech, lasting 1 hour and 39 minutes, set the record for the longest annual presidential address to Congress. Guests in the gallery included victims and relatives impacted by the policies and actions discussed in his speech.
Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Stephen Groves, and Kevin Freking in Washington, Darlene Superville in Kissimmee, Fla., and Bill Barrow in Atlanta contributed to this report.
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