News Summary
In a lengthy 100-minute speech, President Trump addressed Congress, outlining tariffs, foreign relations, and proposed cuts to government programs. While he celebrated apparent achievements, reactions in Congress were sharply divided, with protests and criticism from Democrats marking the event. Trump emphasized his commitment to veterans and immigration reforms, yet faced backlash for his controversial claims and plans. The address highlighted the ongoing polarization in Washington, signaling a tumultuous road ahead for his administration.
Trump Addresses Congress: A Rollercoaster of Claims and Reactions
President Donald Trump took to the podium for a joint session of Congress just **six weeks** into his **second term**, and boy, did he make it count! His speech was a whooping **100 minutes** long, marking the longest on record for this kind of address. With a mixture of boasting and bold claims, Trump painted a picture of an administration hitting the ground running, stating he had achieved more in the **first 43 days** than many accomplish in four years. His enthusiastic proclamation that **”America is back”** echoed throughout the chamber, showcasing his signature style of optimism.
Tariffs and Trade Deals
The president didn’t shy away from discussing his administration’s stance on tariffs. He announced a **25% tariff** on goods coming from Mexico and Canada and proclaimed that tariffs on Chinese goods would get a significant bump to **20%**. Trump argued that these measures would not only boost the U.S. economy but would also help in fighting **illegal immigration**. So, if you’re in the business of importing goods, you might want to pay attention to these changes!
A Surprising Message from Ukraine
In a surprising twist during the address, Trump read a letter from **Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky**, who expressed Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate peace. Amidst ongoing conflicts with Russia, Trump claimed he was receiving **”strong signals”** from Russia indicating a desire for peace. It’s clear that foreign relations are a priority, and he’s looking to step up to the plate.
A Divided House
Highlighting Personal Stories and Proposed Cuts
Promises and Controversy
Criticism and Rebuttal
Immigration and Energy Independence
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN Live Updates
- AP News Live Coverage
- New York Times Live Coverage
- Fox News Live Updates
- Reuters Coverage
- Wikipedia: Joint Address to Congress
- Google Search: Trump address Congress 2025
- Google Scholar: Trump Congress address 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State of the Union Address
- Google News: Trump Congress speech
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
