US President Donald Trump delivered his largest speech yet, making key points on tariffs, Ukraine, and domestic policy. The address came amid uncertainty over new tariff proposals and their potential impact on consumers.
Trump called for increased revenue from tariffs, citing the need to “make America rich again” and “great again.” However, he stopped short of addressing concerns over the effects on Canada and Mexico.
The speech also touched on bipartisan issues, including semiconductor funding and border security. Trump reiterated his call to eliminate a $52 billion bipartisan bill supporting chip manufacturing and introduced new border security funding proposals.
On tax policy, Trump proposed making interest payments on American-made cars tax-deductible. He set a goal of balancing the budget “in the near future,” although this will be challenging given current projections of over $5 trillion in spending cuts.
The speech largely sidestepped discussions on international relations, including Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing presence in the region. Trump repeated his calls for an end to conflict and expressed unease with American aid to Ukraine, which may bolster Russia’s bargaining position.
Overall, Trump’s address was characterized by a lack of bipartisan messaging and a focus on conservative talking points, sparking controversy among lawmakers and protesters.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2025-03-05/trump-addresses-a-joint-session-of-congress