Washington, D.C. – Addressing a joint session of the United States Congress on March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy and forceful speech outlining his administration’s priorities and declaring that he was “just getting started” after what he characterized as a “whirlwind six weeks” in the White House.
In an address that lasted a record 99 minutes, surpassing the previous mark set by former President Bill Clinton at one hour and 28 minutes, President Trump detailed a sweeping agenda focused on fundamentally reorienting the nation’s economy, recalibrating immigration policies, and redefining foreign policy approaches.
Charting a New Economic Course
A central theme of the President’s address was the economy, which he framed as requiring urgent intervention. He asserted that his first weeks had been marked by “swift and unrelenting action” aimed at rescuing the economy and providing relief to working families. President Trump directly attributed current economic conditions to the policies of former President Biden.
Highlighting significant policy shifts already implemented, the President pointed to the imposition of substantial new tariffs. Specifically, 25% tariffs were placed on goods originating from Canada and Mexico, while a 20% tariff was levied on goods from China. These measures, which went into effect earlier that day on March 4, 2025, represent a dramatic departure in trade policy and have already sparked fears of a global trade war.
President Trump defended these tariffs as necessary steps to protect American industries and workers, signaling a continued commitment to a protectionist economic strategy.
Immigration and Foreign Policy Signals
The President also touched upon his administration’s approach to immigration, a long-standing area of focus. While specific new measures were not detailed during the address, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to significant changes in this area as part of his reorientation efforts.
In a notable moment concerning foreign policy, President Trump reiterated his unconventional aspiration for Greenland to become part of the United States. He stated unequivocally, “one way or another, we’re gonna get it,” a remark that underscored his administration’s willingness to pursue ambitious and unexpected diplomatic goals.
Tense Moments on the Floor
The joint session was not without tension. During the course of the President’s extensive remarks, US Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was removed from the chamber. The removal followed repeated interruptions by the Congressman, highlighting the deep partisan divisions present within the legislative body.
Looking Ahead
President Trump concluded his address by reinforcing the message that his administration’s initial actions were merely the beginning of a more extensive and ambitious agenda. The declaration that he was “just getting started” served as a clear signal to both Congress and the American public that the pace and scale of policy changes witnessed in the first six weeks would continue.
The lengthy speech, delivered before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, laid bare the administration’s core policy objectives and the assertive style with which President Trump intends to pursue them, particularly in the realms of trade, economy, immigration, and foreign relations, setting a confrontational tone for the legislative period ahead.
