President Donald Trump’s first address to Congress since returning to office was a mix of victory lap and justification tour, defending his rapid policy shifts. Over a record-breaking one-hour-and-40-minute speech, Trump doubled down on his actions, took jabs at his opponents, and made sweeping claims on tariffs, government cuts, and foreign policy. His address heightened political divisions while reinforcing his campaign-driven leadership style.
A Deeply Partisan Speech
From the outset, Trump made it clear his speech would not be a call for unity. He boasted about his election victory, accused Democrats of obstruction, and dismissed any possibility of bipartisan cooperation.
“There is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy,” Trump remarked, rejecting any chance of compromise. Tensions escalated further when Democratic Rep. Al Green interrupted the speech multiple times before being removed by House Speaker Mike Johnson. Other Democrats held up signs and walked out in protest.
Instead of bridging divides, Trump inflamed them, labeling his opponents “radical left-wing lunatics” and reviving his controversial nickname for Sen. Elizabeth Warren. His speech was more of a rallying cry for his base than an attempt at national unity.
Culture Wars and Base-Driven Politics
Trump leaned heavily into culture war issues, vowing to eliminate “wokeness” from society. He criticized affirmative action, touted efforts to restrict transgender rights, and vowed to dismantle diversity programs.
“Wokeness is trouble. Wokeness is bad. It’s gone,” Trump declared, reinforcing his administration’s moves to reshape education, the military, and public institutions in a more conservative direction.
He highlighted guests in the First Lady’s box, including female athletes and parents of crime victims, using them to underscore his points. While he framed these actions as a “common sense revolution,” they largely served to energize his base rather than appeal to a broader audience.
A Rapid Policy Shift
Trump’s administration has moved aggressively, enacting swift policy changes. To reassure the public, Trump spotlighted billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency.
“He’s working very hard. He didn’t need this,” Trump said, goading Democrats to acknowledge Musk’s contributions. Many in the audience held signs reading “Musk steals,” reflecting deep skepticism over his government role.
Tariffs and Economic Policy
Stock markets tumbled as Trump’s broad tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China sparked investor concerns. Despite backlash, Trump remained firm.
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them,” he declared. “We will take in trillions and create jobs like never before.”
Though he acknowledged short-term economic disruptions, he dismissed concerns, insisting, “There’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that.”
Addressing Ukraine
Trump briefly addressed the war in Ukraine, claiming to be working toward peace while expressing frustration over U.S. financial aid to Kyiv. His planned announcement of a minerals deal with Ukraine collapsed after a heated Oval Office exchange with President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, he acknowledged receiving a conciliatory letter from Zelensky, signaling a willingness for dialogue.
Blaming Biden
Trump repeatedly blamed former President Joe Biden for economic struggles and foreign conflicts, referencing him 12 times in his speech.
“We inherited an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare,” Trump asserted, holding Biden responsible for inflation and border security issues.
While every president inherits challenges, Trump’s continued focus on Biden raises the question of how long voters will accept this reasoning before expecting Trump to deliver solutions.
Democratic Response
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivered a pointed rebuttal, calling Trump’s governance “reckless” and “chaotic.” She criticized Musk’s role and condemned Trump’s treatment of Zelensky, saying it would have left Ronald Reagan “roll[ing] in his grave.”
Rather than expressing outrage, Slotkin urged Democrats to take action: “Pick just one issue you’re passionate about — and engage. And doom scrolling doesn’t count.”
The Verdict
Trump’s address reinforced his leadership style—combative, unapologetic, and campaign-driven. Instead of seeking unity, he widened partisan divides, rallying his base while alienating opponents. His second term is about action, not consensus.