Trump speech to Congress: Trump airs familiar grievances in address before Congress

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Last updated: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 4:56AM GMT
Trump defends tariffs, government cuts in address to divided Congress
The president touted the moves his administration has made in his first weeks in office, touching on tariffs, the war in Ukraine and the border.

President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, six weeks into his historic return to the White House.

During the speech, Trump said "America is back" and defended the tariffs on key U.S. trading partners. He touched on immigration and the mineral deal with Ukraine, but neglected to go into detail on his economic plan. The speech was also met with protests and disruptions from Democrats.

Mar 05, 2025, 4:48 AM

Fact-checking Pres. Trump's speech to Congress

ABC News, along with PolitiFact, is live fact-checking Trump's speech statements that are exaggerated, need more context or are false.

READ MORE | Fact-checking Pres. Trump's speech to Congress

President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Mar 05, 2025, 2:41 AM GMT

Democrats stay seated as Trump lists executive actions

As Trump lists the executive orders he's signed, many of which focused on culture war issues that defined the 2024 election, Democrats remain seated while Republicans routinely stand for applause.

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Mar 05, 2025, 2:41 AM GMT

Trump takes aim at Democrats

Trump took aim at Democrats after they booed and interrupted his speech, saying "there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud."

He then made a weak attempt at pitching unity, asking them for "just one night, why not join us in celebrating so many incredible wins for America." As Trump said the words, Vice President JD Vance was seen laughing behind him.

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Mar 05, 2025, 2:41 AM GMT

Republican takes sign 'This is not normal' out of Democrat's hands

New Mexico Democratic Rep. Madeleine Stansbury, who was sitting on the aisle, held up a sign that said, "THIS IS NOT NORMAL." GOP Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas then appeared to rip it out of her hands and threw it on the floor of the chamber.

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Mar 05, 2025, 2:32 AM GMT

Sergeant at arms removes Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas.

Speaker Mike Johnson is standing up, slamming his gavel and trying to restore order and "decorum."

As he did, he had the sergeant at arms remove Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas.