President Donald Trump took the stage at the US Capitol, addressing a joint session of Congress in a speech filled with self-praise, political attacks, and promises for the future.
Just weeks into his second term, he declared that his administration had accomplished more in 43 days than others had in years—and that he was only getting started.
Trump listed a series of actions he had already taken, including signing hundreds of executive orders, freezing foreign aid, tightening border security, and pulling the US out of international agreements. He also focused on domestic policies, boasting about his administration’s crackdown on what he called “woke ideology” in schools and the military.
The speech was met with sharply divided reactions. Republican lawmakers cheered as Trump pledged tax cuts and stricter immigration policies, while Democrats remained silent, some even holding up signs that read “false” and “lies” in protest. The divide deepened when Trump mocked his opponents, reviving his controversial nickname for Senator Elizabeth Warren and taking jabs at past legal efforts against him.
Tensions escalated further when Democratic Representative Al Green interrupted the speech, waving his cane and shouting before being escorted out by security. Speaking outside, Green said he was protesting proposed cuts to Medicaid, the government-funded health insurance program for low-income Americans.
Trump’s speech stretched beyond an hour and a half, shifting from past achievements to future plans. He promised economic relief for working families and defended his tariff policies, despite concerns about rising prices. Acknowledging that new trade taxes on Canada, Mexico, and China could cause short-term economic pain, he insisted they were necessary to protect American industries.
He also vowed to balance the federal budget, though he provided no details on how he would do so while simultaneously pushing for tax cuts. His proposals, including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, could add hundreds of billions of dollars to the nation’s already massive deficit.
Foreign policy took a backseat, even as Trump’s early decisions had already reshaped global dynamics. He reiterated his stance on trade and international relations but focused primarily on his domestic vision.
As the address ended, the speech left Congress as divided as ever. Trump’s supporters praised his bold leadership, while critics dismissed his claims as exaggerated and his policies as reckless. With major battles ahead, from trade wars to budget negotiations, his declaration that he was “just getting started” signaled more political clashes to come.