President Donald Trump delivered a combative speech to Congress on Tuesday, vowing not to lift tariffs on major trading partners despite global market turmoil. In his 100-minute address, which was the longest presidential speech to Congress since modern times, Trump read aloud a message from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and touted economic progress under his administration.
Trump took aim at critics, including Democratic lawmakers who staged a small protest by standing up and turning their backs on him. He also criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, saying he was the “worst president in American history.” The president claimed that he had inherited an “economic catastrophe” from Biden but failed to provide evidence.
Trump’s speech was marked by false claims, exaggerated assertions, and personal attacks on politicians. Democrats responded with criticism, with some lawmakers shaking their heads in disgust or walking out of the gallery. House Republicans, however, were more enthusiastic, cheering on Trump as he referred to Elon Musk.
The president’s address was seen as a test of his ability to work with Congress after his inauguration. While it appeared to be a State of the Union-like speech, only delivered shortly after his inauguration, its tone and content set it apart from traditional addresses.
Some Republicans hoped that Trump’s more extreme moves were temporary, but their views diverged on the new tariffs. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for caution, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune suggested that the freeze in aid to Ukraine might be part of a negotiation. The White House has not announced any plans to lift tariffs despite criticism from global leaders and business groups.
Overall, Trump’s speech was marked by tension, confrontation, and defiance, setting a high bar for his relationship with Congress and the country.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/05/us/politics/trump-address-congress-speech.html