Trump speech to Congress: Trump airs familiar grievances in address before Congress
Last updated: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 4:56AM GMT
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.
President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Mar 05, 2025, 4:19 AM GMT
Slotkin starts with economy, says Trump talked a 'big game'
Trump didn't discuss the economy much during his speech, other than defending his new tariffs and blaming President Joe Biden for inflation. Slotkin, by contrast, started her speech by homing in on the economy. She said America needs to bring down costs on groceries, housing, health care and bring back good-paying jobs.
"Look, the president talked a big game on the economy, but it's always important to read the fine print. So do his plans actually help Americans get ahead? Not even close," Slotkin said.
Mar 05, 2025, 4:14 AM GMT
Elissa Slotkin begins Democratic rebuttal
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin is now delivering the Democratic response to Trump's address. She is speaking from Michigan, a key swing state that went for Trump in 2024.
Mar 05, 2025, 4:12 AM GMT
Trump wraps speech: 'Fight, fight, fight'
One of his last messages for the room was a callback to his immediate response after being shot in Pennsylvania.
"We will stand up and we will fight, fight, fight for the country our citizens believe in and for the country our people deserve," he said.
The final words of Trump speech: "Get ready for an incredible future because the golden age of America has only just begun. It will be like nothing ever seen before. Thank you. God bless you and God bless America."
Mar 05, 2025, 4:12 AM GMT
More Democrats leave as speech continues
More Democrats are trickling out of the chamber including Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar, Jardee Huffman and Nydia Velazquez around 10:40 p.m.
Reps. Mark Takano and Joaquin Castro left when Trump brought up Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Reps. Judy Chu and Mark Pocan left at approximately 10:48 p.m.
