WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress since retaking office, appearing before lawmakers on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Declaring that “America is back,” the president outlined his administration’s priorities and highlighted actions taken during the initial six weeks of his second term.
The speech, which spanned an extensive one hour and 40 minutes, marked the longest such presidential address since at least 1964, covering a range of topics from executive orders already issued to his vision for the legislative agenda.
Economic Policy and Inflation
A central theme of the president’s address was the economy, particularly his administration’s approach to trade and inflation. President Trump made a strong case for the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, which he noted commenced on April 2. He argued that other countries have utilized tariffs against the United States for decades, and it was now the U.S.’s turn to employ similar measures to level the playing field.
Despite economic predictions from many analysts suggesting that these tariffs could potentially increase inflationary pressures, the president asserted that his administration was actively fighting inflation. He attributed rising prices to the previous administration, led by former President Joe Biden, specifically citing the cost of eggs as an example of the economic challenges inherited. President Trump characterized the situation he took over as an “economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare” left by the prior administration.
Streamlining Government
The president also dedicated a portion of his remarks to efforts aimed at reducing the size and scope of the federal bureaucracy. He specifically praised entrepreneur Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency task force (DOGE) for their work in enacting what he described as significant cuts across the executive branch. This initiative was presented as a key part of his strategy to make government more efficient and less burdensome.
Legislative Priorities
Looking ahead, President Trump urged Congress to pass tax cuts, advocating for reductions that would benefit “everybody.” He referenced the House GOP’s budget plan as a framework for these proposed tax reforms, signaling a desire for bipartisan support on this key legislative goal, although past efforts at significant tax code overhauls have proven challenging to navigate through Congress.
Congressional Response
The lengthy address elicited sharply contrasting reactions within the chamber. Republican lawmakers offered sustained applause throughout much of the speech, indicating strong support for the president’s message and policy proposals. In stark contrast, Democratic members voiced their dissent through jeers.
The divide was further underscored by several visible protests from the minority party. One Democratic member was escorted from the chamber during the address, while several others either walked out or engaged in silent protests by displaying signs. These reactions highlighted the deeply polarized political environment surrounding the president’s return to office and his initial policy moves.
The address set the tone for the upcoming legislative battles and economic debates in the second term, signaling a continuation of many of the policy directions emphasized during his initial presidency, particularly concerning trade and government spending.
