United States President Donald Trump has addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time since returning to power in January, declaring “America is back” and stressing the American dream is “unstoppable” as he embarks on his second term.
Trump’s remarks, delivered during the longest-ever address to a joint session of Congress made by any US president, lasting over one hour and 40 minutes, were filled with bold promises for the future.
Speaking in front of a prime-time televised audience, in attendance, the 78-year-old Republican billionaire said he was “just getting started” on his plans to reshape the country.
Trump hailed the achievements of his first six weeks in office, vowing to continue his polarising efforts to reshape the US government and — no matter the cost.
“We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years — and we are just getting started,” he said as loyal politicians chanted “USA, USA!” in the background.
“The American Dream is surging — bigger and better than ever before. The American Dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again.”
Here are key takeaways from his speech.
Tariffs may bring ‘disturbance’ to US economy
Trump downplayed the possible economic impact of the trade war he started this week, which includes 25 per cent tariffs on Mexico and Canada and an extra 10 per cent on imports from China.
He acknowledged that the US economy may face “little disturbance” from tariffs but emphasised the levies would ultimately boost domestic industries.
“Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again,” he said.
“And it’s happening. And it will happen rather quickly. There’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that. It won’t be much.”
Farmers are among those bracing for impact, with Trump urging the agricultural industry to “bear with me again”.
Laying out details on how he plans to stimulate the farming economy, Trump said increasing US tariffs on agricultural products from overseas would protect domestic producers.
But tariffs wouldn’t completely block farm products from entering the US, but would make them more expensive for consumers.
‘Woke no longer’
Trump said he had ended the “tyranny” of diversity and inclusion programs across the federal government, vowing the US would be “woke no longer”.
Trump recalled the list of executive orders he has signed, including a crackdown on illegal immigration and gender dysphoria.
“I signed an order making it the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female,” he said.
Trump’s order states that there are only two immutable sexes, and is among others signed that target the rights of transgender people.
The orders pave the way for kicking transgender people out of the military, denying changes to the sex marker on passports and erasing any mention of transgender people from a website commemorating the Stonewall riots, among others.
War on drug cartels
Trump has vowed to “wage war” on Mexico’s drug cartels, which he accused of rape and murder as well as “posing a grave threat” to US national security.
“The cartels are waging war on America, and it’s time for America to wage war on the cartels, which we are doing,” he said.
The ramping up of rhetoric comes after his administration designated several Latin American cartels as foreign terrorist organisations.
US to acquire Greenland ‘one way or another’
Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, pledging to the autonomous Danish territory’s population that “we will keep you safe”.
“We need it really for international world security and I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other we’re going to get it,” he said.
“Together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before.”
Trump said the after a deal by a Hong Kong firm to sell ports to a US-led consortium.
“To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we’ve already started doing it.
“We’re taking it back.”
Trump warms on Zelenskyy
Trump has been unsparing in his criticism of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
But towards the end of his address, he read from a letter from Zelenskyy he had received earlier in the day.
“The letter reads as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,” he said.
“Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians … My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,” he read from the letter.
