PRESIDENT Donald Trump delivered a high-energy speech before a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening, declaring, “America is back.”
After thanking members of Congress and First Lady Melania Trump, Trump recalled his earlier address at the Capitol, where he proclaimed the start of a “Golden Age of America.” He touted his administration’s rapid accomplishments, stating, “In just 43 days, we have achieved more than most administrations do in four or eight years. And we are just getting started.”
The address was met with chants of “USA, USA” from the audience, as Republican lawmakers cheered while many Democrats remained seated in protest.
Shortly after the speech began, disruptions erupted in the chamber. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson ordered the removal of Rep.
Al Green, D-Texas, after he repeatedly shouted and refused to take his seat. Johnson warned lawmakers to maintain order, emphasizing that further disruptions would not be tolerated.
This speech marked Trump’s first address to Congress since his return to office in January. While resembling a State of the Union speech, it did not carry the official title since he had not been in office for the previous year.
According to the White House, the speech was centered around the theme of The Renewal of the American Dream and covered four key areas: Trump’s domestic and foreign policy achievements so far, the administration’s economic agenda, efforts to secure additional funding for border security, and plans for global peace initiatives.
Fox News’ Peter Doocy reported that Trump personally took part in editing the speech but did not engage in formal preparations such as rehearsing gestures or delivery with advisers.
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., boycotted the event, while Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., held a live rebuttal. Among the Democratic congresswomen who attended, many wore pink in protest of Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting women.