President Trump addressed a divided Congress in his first joint speech of his second term, claiming significant accomplishments in just 43 days. He highlighted nearly 100 executive orders and more than 400 actions aimed at reshaping government, while targeting specific measures such as foreign aid cuts and withdrawing from the Paris agreement. Trump introduced a new Department of Government Efficiency, headed by Elon Musk, to tackle waste. Throughout the speech, he faced heckling from Democrats, notably Rep. Al Green, who was removed for interruptions. Trump also expressed ambitions regarding U.S. territorial claims, discussing the Panama Canal and Greenland.
President Trump addressed a divided Congress on Tuesday for his inaugural joint address of his second term, delivering a confrontational speech that highlighted many executive orders aimed at transforming the federal government while outlining his legislative goals, which he hopes to achieve with the assistance of Republicans who supported him throughout.
“Just six weeks ago, I stood underneath this Capitol’s dome and announced the beginning of America’s golden age,” Trump declared during what became the longest joint session speech by a president in U.S. history. “Since that moment, we have engaged in fast and relentless action to bring about the greatest and most successful era in our nation’s past. We have achieved more in just 43 days than most administrations achieve in four years, or even eight years — and we are only beginning.”
Here are five major highlights from Tuesday’s speech.
Boasting of executive orders and praise for Elon Musk
Elon Musk salutes as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Trump aimed to depict the initial months of his second term as both historic and productive.
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“In the last six weeks, I’ve authorized nearly 100 executive orders and taken over 400 executive actions to restore common sense, safety, optimism, and prosperity across our great nation,” Trump stated.
These actions included a halt to all U.S. foreign aid, withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, the cancellation of electric vehicle incentives introduced under former President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, and the imposition of broad tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.
Trump emphasized that a primary objective of his administration was “eliminating the blatant waste of taxpayer funds.”
“In pursuit of this goal, I established a brand new Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, which is led by Elon Musk, who is present in the gallery tonight,” he noted.
Musk’s appointment might come as a surprise to a federal judge dealing with cases involving the mass layoffs of government employees, who had requested clarification on the leadership of DOGE and were informed that Amy Gleason, a former member of the U.S. Digital Service, was in charge.
Trump went on to list instances of “outrageous waste” identified by Musk and his team, although these claims couldn’t be promptly verified, and prior assertions of discovering fraud have often been exaggerated.
No details on how to lower the price of eggs
In spite of a campaign promise to reduce grocery prices “on day one” of his administration, egg prices have continued to soar dramatically during his presidency, largely due to the destruction of millions of chickens to control the spread of avian flu.
“Joe Biden basically allowed egg prices to spiral out of control. The price of eggs is outrageous, and we are endeavoring to bring it back down,” Trump stated. “[Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins], please ensure you manage this properly. You inherited a complete disaster from the last administration.”
The agency overseen by Rollins predicts that egg prices could increase by over 40% in 2025.
Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber after interrupting Trump
Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, interrupts as President Trump addresses Congress. (Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP)
While Trump called out Democrats in attendance, claiming that there was nothing he could do to satisfy them, several moments of protest occurred.
Rep. Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, stood up early in the address and heckled the president. Although House Speaker Mike Johnson rebuked him, Green persisted in interrupting Trump.
“You have no mandate!” he shouted.
Johnson then directed the House sergeant-at-arms to remove him as Trump’s Republican supporters chanted “USA! USA!”
Some Democrats held up signs during Trump’s address, with some reading “Lies” and others stating “Save Medicare,” while numerous members of the party chose to leave before the speech concluded.
“In just half an hour, he unleashed ignorance on topics ranging from diversity, immigration, and transgender youth to DOGE cuts and the price of eggs,” stated Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey after exiting the speech.
Eyeing Greenland and Panama
Trump speaking to Congress on Tuesday. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Trump reiterated his ambition to expand U.S. territorial acquisitions.
“The Panama Canal was constructed by Americans for Americans, not for others, but it was made available for others to use. It came at a tremendous cost, with 38,000 workers perishing during its construction,” Trump remarked, stating, “We will reclaim it.”
“We have Marco Rubio at the helm. Best of luck, Marco,” he continued, referring to the canal, which is presently governed and operated by the Panamanian Canal Authority.
Trump also shifted focus to his previously claimed interest: Greenland.
“Tonight, I have a message for the remarkable people of Greenland. We staunchly support your right to determine your own future, and should you decide, we welcome you into the United States of America. Your territory is essential for our national security and even international security, and we are engaging with all involved to facilitate this,” he stated.
Despite Greenland being a territory of Denmark, whose prime minister has repeatedly asserted that the island is not for sale, Trump confidently assured his audience otherwise.
“I believe we will achieve it — one way or another, we will,” he proclaimed.
Ukraine peace deal not dead?
Following a contentious White House meeting last week with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that led to accusations of Trump siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump asserted on Tuesday that a resolution to end the conflict was still attainable.
“Earlier today, I received a significant letter from President Zelensky of Ukraine,” Trump mentioned. “He wrote, ‘Ukraine is prepared to engage in negotiations as soon as possible to move closer to lasting peace. No one desires peace more than the Ukrainians.’”
“I appreciate his communication,” Trump added, claiming that his administration has been simultaneously negotiating with Russia and has received strong indications that they are seeking peace.