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President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress since returning to the White House, outlining his vision for the country in what became the longest presidential speech ever given before lawmakers.
While not a formal State of the Union address, the speech served as an opportunity for Trump to lay out his agenda for his second term. In a speech punctuated by Republican chants of “USA!” in the House chamber, Trump touched on a range of policy priorities, from tariffs to border security.
Six slogans stood out during this address. Here’s a look at the insight they give into Trump’s vision for the US this term.
‘America is back’
Trump opened his address with the declaration, “America is back,” before launching into criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
“We have removed the poison of critical race theory from our public schools. I signed an order making it the official policy of the US government that there are only two genders, male and female,” Trump said.
He denounced “woke” policies, stating, “Our country will be woke no longer.” Trump claimed his administration had eliminated DEI initiatives across the federal government, private sector, and military.
He believes this to be a return to true American values.
‘Make America rich again’
Trump announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs beginning April 2, aiming to match trade barriers imposed by other nations.
“Whatever they tax us, we will tax them. If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we will do nonmonetary barriers to keep them out of our market,” he said.
The president named several countries, including India, for imposing high tariffs on US goods.
“On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India… and countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them, it is very unfair. India charges us tariffs 100 percent. The system is not fair to US, it never was,” he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump acknowledged potential disruptions from his tariff policies, conceding they would bring “a little disturbance.”
He also praised the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an office he credited with cutting what he called wasteful federal spending. Trump cited savings that he said were redirected to debt reduction, including funding for DEI programs and accommodations for undocumented immigrants. This, and other claims, have been fact-checked here .
Trump claimed DOGE is “headed” by tech billionaire Elon Musk, though the White House previously stated that Amy Gleason serves as its acting administrator.
‘Make America affordable again’
Trump blamed the Biden administration for rising costs and pledged to focus on affordability.
“ Egg prices are out of control , and I promise to make America affordable again. Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and offer relief for working families,” he said.
Despite inheriting what was widely regarded as a strong economy, Trump described the state of the economy as an “economic catastrophe.”
“A major focus of our fight to defeat inflation is rapidly reducing the cost of energy,” he said.
‘Drill, baby, drill’
Trump signalled a shift in US energy policy, pledging to expand domestic oil and gas production.
“We have more liquid gold under our feet than any nation,” Trump said. “I fully authorize the most talented team ever assembled to go and get it. By unleashing American energy, we will defeat inflation and dramatically lower costs. … It’s called drill, baby, drill.”
‘The great liberation of America’
Trump highlighted his administration’s approach to border security, saying he had declared a national emergency and deployed the military to the U.S.-Mexico border.
“Within hours of taking the oath of office, I declared a national emergency on our southern border, and I deployed the US military and border patrol to repel the invasion of our country, and what a job they’ve done,” he said.
Trump claimed illegal border crossings in the past month were the “lowest ever recorded.”
‘Make America great again’
Trump reflected on the assassination attempt he survived during a campaign rally, calling it a divine intervention.
“I was saved by God to make America great again,” he said.
He urged Democrats to work with him, saying, “Let’s work together and let’s truly make America great again.”
This plan includes drastically changing the US’ position in the world– as evident in Trump’s changed approach towards allies like European Union, UK, Canada, and Ukraine, as well as known adversaries like Russia and China.
“This will be our greatest era. With God’s help, we will forge the most dominant civilisation in the history of this Earth,” Trump said.
Trump concluded his speech with an optimistic outlook:
“My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible age because the Golden Age of America has just begun. Thank you and God bless America.”
With inputs from agencies
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