The US president celebrated his administration's achievements so far in a record-long 90-minute address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday




Trump Delivers Record-Breaking Speech to Congress, Focuses on Ukraine, Trade, and Greenland

 U.S.  President Donald Trump delivered his first joint address to Congress since returning to office, delivering a record-setting 99-minute speech that centered on Ukraine, global trade, and his continued interest in acquiring Greenland.

 Wasting no time, Trump touted his administration’s achievements, claiming an unprecedented level of success in a remarkably short period.

 “America’s momentum, spirit, pride, and confidence are back,” Trump declared.  “The American dream is surging bigger and better than ever before.  It is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed.”

 He emphasized the speed and scale of his accomplishments, asserting that his administration had done more in just 43 days than most past administrations had in four or even eight years.

 “This has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” he said.

 Here are some of the key highlights from his speech:

 Ukraine: A Renewed Push for Peace?

 One of the most notable moments came when Trump read a letter he had received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier that day.

 According to Trump, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to return to negotiations after a previously tense Oval Office meeting that had derailed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

 He quoted the letter, which stated, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve a lasting peace.”

 Zelenskyy also acknowledged U.S. support, writing, “We truly value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence.  Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.”

 Trump disclosed that the two leaders had initially intended to sign a minerals agreement on Friday at the White House. However, their meeting ended in a heated argument, and Zelenskyy was asked to leave. Despite past tensions, Trump expressed optimism, stating that “serious discussions” with Russia had also yielded “strong signals” that they were ready for peace.

 “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”  he added, suggesting that both sides might be closer than ever to resolving the conflict.

 Trade: Tariffs and Retaliation

 Shifting focus to economic policy, Trump launched a scathing critique of global trade practices, accusing multiple nations—including the European Union, India, Mexico, and Brazil—of imposing unfair tariffs on American goods.

 “This is happening by both friends and foes,” he said.

 Trump announced that starting April 2, the U.S. would impose “reciprocal tariffs” on any country that taxed American products.

 “Whatever they tax us, we will tax them,” he declared, arguing that for too long, the U.S. had been at a disadvantage in trade agreements.

 Earlier this week, his administration imposed significant tariffs on Mexico and Canada.  In response, both nations announced retaliatory measures, sparking fears of an escalating trade war.

 While economists warn that such policies could drive up consumer prices, Trump dismissed those concerns, insisting the tariffs would generate “trillions and trillions of dollars” while creating jobs and boosting manufacturing.

 He pointed to the U.S. auto industry, which he claimed was “absolutely booming” due to his policies.

 Greenland: ‘I Think We’re Going to Get It’

 Reviving a controversial proposal from his first term, Trump reaffirmed his interest in acquiring Greenland, a Danish territory.

 “I think we’re going to get it,” he said, suggesting the U.S. would secure control “one way or another.”

 Trump framed the purchase as a business opportunity as well as a necessity for national security. “It would make them rich, and it would make us safe,” he argued.

 Additionally, he mentioned his desire to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, a statement that appeared to be both an ambitious foreign policy objective and a pointed critique of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s handling of international affairs.

 Economy: ‘Rescue’ and Relief for Working Families

 Trump also addressed economic concerns, vowing to “rescue” the economy and provide “relief” for struggling American families.

 Blaming the previous administration for the current economic challenges, he called the situation an “economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare.”

 “I’m fighting every day to make America affordable again,” he said, pledging to tackle inflation and rising costs.

 He specifically pointed to the rising price of eggs as an example of “out-of-control” inflation, promising to bring costs down.

 Law and Order: A Call for Aggressive Policing

 Trump also reinforced his hardline stance on crime and law enforcement, claiming that “our justice system has been turned upside down by Radical Left lunatics.”

 Despite data showing a decline in violent crime since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he painted a bleak picture of Democratic-led cities, arguing that “one rough hour” of policing would be enough to curb crime.

 He pushed for expanded legal protections for law enforcement, including “immunity from prosecution” for police officers involved in use-of-force incidents.

 Protests and Disruptions in the Chamber

 Trump’s speech was not without controversy.

 At one point, Democratic Representative Al Green interrupted, shouting, “You have no mandate!”  before being escorted from the chamber.

 In the meantime, audience members silently raised small signs that read "False," "Save Medicaid," and "Protect Veterans." Outside the Capitol, pro-Ukraine demonstrators gathered, while large crowds protested outside Fox News headquarters in New York.

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