Washington, D.C., March 5, 2025: President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress since assuming office for his second term, highlighting what he called the “most successful” start to any presidency while unveiling key policy measures on trade, taxation, and immigration.
The speech came amid mounting tensions over Trump’s new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, which have raised fears of a trade war and triggered a market downturn. Defending his policies, Trump declared:
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them.”
Trade War and Economic Impact
The 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, alongside 10% additional tariffs on Chinese imports, have sent markets into a spiral, with the Nasdaq Composite falling more than 9% since December. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that only one in three Americans approve of Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living.
Military Aid to Ukraine Suspended
Trump’s speech followed his controversial halt on U.S. military aid to Ukraine, further straining ties with Kyiv and alarming European allies. Critics argue the move suggests a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Moscow.
Domestic Policy Announcements
Trump outlined his administration’s top priorities, including:
✅ Extending 2017 tax cuts under a $4.5 trillion Republican proposal
✅ Increasing deportations and tightening border security
✅ Shrinking the federal workforce, led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has already cut over 100,000 government jobs
Democratic Response and Opposition
Democrats strongly criticized Trump’s policies, with Senator Elissa Slotkin delivering a rebuttal, emphasizing the negative impacts on middle-class Americans.
Key Figures in Attendance
🔹 Elon Musk, overseeing government downsizing
🔹 Marc Fogel, a teacher recently freed from Russian detention
🔹 The family of Corey Comperatore, a firefighter killed in last year’s assassination attempt on Trump
Looking Ahead
Trump’s trade and immigration policies are expected to face legal challenges and Democratic opposition, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the months ahead.
Source: Reuters
