On the evening of Tuesday, March 4, United States President Donald Trump delivered his first speech to Congress since returning to the White House. In a joint session with the Senate and the House, both under Republican control, Trump outlined an initial assessment of his second term, emphasizing drastic measures such as suspending military aid to Ukraine, imposing tariffs on countries like Canada and Mexico, and unveiling ambitious plans for mass deportation. Under the spotlight, Trump pledged to restore the “American dream” with an agenda blending federal government downsizing with tougher immigration and trade policies, while facing criticism over potential economic and diplomatic fallout. The address, broadcast live, drew strong support from allies and resistance from the Democratic opposition.
Earlier that day, the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside an additional 10% on Chinese goods, had already stirred the waters, taking effect at midnight. These actions, framed by Trump as a means to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, heightened tensions with key U.S. trade partners. Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, remains a focal point for pushing deep cuts in federal staffing, a policy Trump is expected to champion as part of his vision for a leaner, more efficient government.
Though not the traditional State of the Union address, the event echoed a practice started by Ronald Reagan in 1981, when newly inaugurated presidents spoke to Congress to set out priorities. The opposition, led by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, will deliver a televised response, while Democrats plan symbolic protests, such as inviting citizens impacted by Trump’s policies to watch from the galleries. Republicans, in turn, brought figures like the family of Corey Comperatore, a supporter killed during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, to underscore the night’s emotional weight.
Trump’s early weeks shake the global stage
Donald Trump’s first weeks in his second term have been defined by decisions with far-reaching global implications. The suspension of military aid to Ukraine, announced on Monday, marks a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, halting support for the first time since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The move followed a public spat between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense White House meeting last Friday. Intended to discuss a mineral exploration deal in Ukrainian territory, the encounter ended without an agreement and with heated exchanges, straining ties between the two leaders.
On the trade front, the tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, effective as of Tuesday, have sparked immediate pushback. Canada retaliated with 25% duties on $107 billion in U.S. goods, while Mexico is preparing similar measures, though specifics remain undisclosed. China vowed to challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization and hinted at countermeasures, while urging dialogue. Economists warn that these policies could drive U.S. inflation, with projections suggesting an annual cost increase of up to $1,170 per American household, affecting everything from groceries to manufactured goods.
Domestically, the federal government overhaul is accelerating under Elon Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Since its inception, the agency has slashed billions in federal spending, laying off staff and cutting programs deemed “non-essential” by Trump and his allies. The president’s pledge to halt federal funding for universities allowing illegal protests, made on the eve of the speech, reflects a broader push to align the public sector with conservative priorities—a move cheered by his base but contested by moderates and opponents alike.
Tariffs and deportations headline Trump’s economic agenda
The tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China embody a core campaign promise: leveraging U.S. economic might to safeguard national interests. The 25% duties on North American neighbors and the additional 10% on China, layered atop prior tariffs, push import costs to levels unseen in decades. Government officials justify the measures as a response to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, but analysts caution that American consumers may bear the brunt, with rising prices for oil, vehicles, and food staples.
Trump’s mass deportation plan, another economic cornerstone, is set to take center stage in his congressional address. Insiders suggest the administration will seek extra funding to execute the operation, potentially involving military deployment and temporary detention facilities near the Mexican border. With an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., the initiative could cost billions and disrupt industries like agriculture and construction, which rely heavily on this workforce. Despite logistical hurdles, Trump insists it’s vital to “protect American citizens.”
The Department of Government Efficiency plays a key role in the economic strategy. Under Musk, it has already trimmed agencies and social programs, including Head Start, which supports low-income children. While popular with Trump’s supporters, the approach draws flak for its opacity and risks to essential services. Musk defends the cuts as critical to eliminating waste and modernizing governance, a stance Trump frequently praises.
What to expect from Trump’s congressional address
Trump’s speech to Congress is poised to be a defining moment of his second term. Leaked excerpts reveal plans to frame the “American dream” as his administration’s guiding star, with lines like “our country is on the cusp of a resurgence the world has never witnessed.” He’s expected to justify the Ukraine aid suspension as part of an “America First” foreign policy and outline next steps after the failed Zelensky talks. The trade war, fueled by the new tariffs, will also feature prominently, with Trump likely urging Congress to back his economic initiatives.
The president is also set to elaborate on his mass deportation blueprint, detailing funding and execution plans. White House officials hint at requests for more border security resources, including expanding the U.S.-Mexico wall, a flagship project since 2016. The federal restructuring under Musk will get airtime too, with Trump touting cuts as a path to efficiency and deficit reduction—currently at $1.8 trillion for fiscal year 2024.
Here’s a snapshot of early policy impacts:
- Tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico, effective March 4, affect $680 billion in annual U.S. exports to those nations.
- Ukraine aid suspension halts $61 billion in military support since 2022.
- DOGE cuts have eliminated roughly 10% of federal jobs in targeted agencies, per initial estimates.
Timeline of Trump’s 2025 actions
Trump’s second term has kicked off at a brisk pace. A rundown of key moves provides context:
- January 20: Trump sworn in as the 47th U.S. president.
- January 27: Executive orders signed to launch federal cuts and immigration reviews.
- February 1: Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China announced, with implementation delayed to March.
- March 3: Military aid to Ukraine officially suspended after Zelensky standoff.
- March 4: Congressional address delivered, and trade tariffs take effect.
This timeline underscores the speed of Trump’s agenda but also highlights looming challenges, from international backlash to domestic economic strain.
Domestic and global reactions to Trump’s moves
Within the U.S., Trump’s address unfolds amid rising polarization. Democrats aim to spotlight policy fallout, inviting affected citizens—like laid-off federal workers and students hit by education cuts—to the session. Republicans counter with symbolic guests, such as Corey Comperatore’s family, reinforcing Trump’s narrative of resilience against threats. Some Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the event, signaling the steep challenge of unifying the nation.
Globally, tariffs and the Ukraine aid cutoff have stirred sharp responses. European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rallied behind Zelensky at a London summit, while the Kremlin hailed the “crumbling of Western unity.” China, though critical, remains open to talks, hinting at a yuan devaluation to offset tariff effects. Mexico and Canada warn that the trade war could trigger a regional recession if tensions escalate, with early economic forecasts backing their concerns.
Trump’s agenda of cuts, tariffs, and deportations positions the U.S. at a crossroads of radical change. His congressional address, rich with symbolism and bold pledges, marks just the start of a presidency set to push the boundaries of America’s economy, diplomacy, and governance.

On the evening of Tuesday, March 4, United States President Donald Trump delivered his first speech to Congress since returning to the White House. In a joint session with the Senate and the House, both under Republican control, Trump outlined an initial assessment of his second term, emphasizing drastic measures such as suspending military aid to Ukraine, imposing tariffs on countries like Canada and Mexico, and unveiling ambitious plans for mass deportation. Under the spotlight, Trump pledged to restore the “American dream” with an agenda blending federal government downsizing with tougher immigration and trade policies, while facing criticism over potential economic and diplomatic fallout. The address, broadcast live, drew strong support from allies and resistance from the Democratic opposition.
Earlier that day, the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside an additional 10% on Chinese goods, had already stirred the waters, taking effect at midnight. These actions, framed by Trump as a means to curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, heightened tensions with key U.S. trade partners. Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, remains a focal point for pushing deep cuts in federal staffing, a policy Trump is expected to champion as part of his vision for a leaner, more efficient government.
Though not the traditional State of the Union address, the event echoed a practice started by Ronald Reagan in 1981, when newly inaugurated presidents spoke to Congress to set out priorities. The opposition, led by Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, will deliver a televised response, while Democrats plan symbolic protests, such as inviting citizens impacted by Trump’s policies to watch from the galleries. Republicans, in turn, brought figures like the family of Corey Comperatore, a supporter killed during a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, to underscore the night’s emotional weight.
Trump’s early weeks shake the global stage
Donald Trump’s first weeks in his second term have been defined by decisions with far-reaching global implications. The suspension of military aid to Ukraine, announced on Monday, marks a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, halting support for the first time since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The move followed a public spat between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a tense White House meeting last Friday. Intended to discuss a mineral exploration deal in Ukrainian territory, the encounter ended without an agreement and with heated exchanges, straining ties between the two leaders.
On the trade front, the tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, effective as of Tuesday, have sparked immediate pushback. Canada retaliated with 25% duties on $107 billion in U.S. goods, while Mexico is preparing similar measures, though specifics remain undisclosed. China vowed to challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization and hinted at countermeasures, while urging dialogue. Economists warn that these policies could drive U.S. inflation, with projections suggesting an annual cost increase of up to $1,170 per American household, affecting everything from groceries to manufactured goods.
Domestically, the federal government overhaul is accelerating under Elon Musk’s leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Since its inception, the agency has slashed billions in federal spending, laying off staff and cutting programs deemed “non-essential” by Trump and his allies. The president’s pledge to halt federal funding for universities allowing illegal protests, made on the eve of the speech, reflects a broader push to align the public sector with conservative priorities—a move cheered by his base but contested by moderates and opponents alike.
Tariffs and deportations headline Trump’s economic agenda
The tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China embody a core campaign promise: leveraging U.S. economic might to safeguard national interests. The 25% duties on North American neighbors and the additional 10% on China, layered atop prior tariffs, push import costs to levels unseen in decades. Government officials justify the measures as a response to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, but analysts caution that American consumers may bear the brunt, with rising prices for oil, vehicles, and food staples.
Trump’s mass deportation plan, another economic cornerstone, is set to take center stage in his congressional address. Insiders suggest the administration will seek extra funding to execute the operation, potentially involving military deployment and temporary detention facilities near the Mexican border. With an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., the initiative could cost billions and disrupt industries like agriculture and construction, which rely heavily on this workforce. Despite logistical hurdles, Trump insists it’s vital to “protect American citizens.”
The Department of Government Efficiency plays a key role in the economic strategy. Under Musk, it has already trimmed agencies and social programs, including Head Start, which supports low-income children. While popular with Trump’s supporters, the approach draws flak for its opacity and risks to essential services. Musk defends the cuts as critical to eliminating waste and modernizing governance, a stance Trump frequently praises.
What to expect from Trump’s congressional address
Trump’s speech to Congress is poised to be a defining moment of his second term. Leaked excerpts reveal plans to frame the “American dream” as his administration’s guiding star, with lines like “our country is on the cusp of a resurgence the world has never witnessed.” He’s expected to justify the Ukraine aid suspension as part of an “America First” foreign policy and outline next steps after the failed Zelensky talks. The trade war, fueled by the new tariffs, will also feature prominently, with Trump likely urging Congress to back his economic initiatives.
The president is also set to elaborate on his mass deportation blueprint, detailing funding and execution plans. White House officials hint at requests for more border security resources, including expanding the U.S.-Mexico wall, a flagship project since 2016. The federal restructuring under Musk will get airtime too, with Trump touting cuts as a path to efficiency and deficit reduction—currently at $1.8 trillion for fiscal year 2024.
Here’s a snapshot of early policy impacts:
- Tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico, effective March 4, affect $680 billion in annual U.S. exports to those nations.
- Ukraine aid suspension halts $61 billion in military support since 2022.
- DOGE cuts have eliminated roughly 10% of federal jobs in targeted agencies, per initial estimates.
Timeline of Trump’s 2025 actions
Trump’s second term has kicked off at a brisk pace. A rundown of key moves provides context:
- January 20: Trump sworn in as the 47th U.S. president.
- January 27: Executive orders signed to launch federal cuts and immigration reviews.
- February 1: Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China announced, with implementation delayed to March.
- March 3: Military aid to Ukraine officially suspended after Zelensky standoff.
- March 4: Congressional address delivered, and trade tariffs take effect.
This timeline underscores the speed of Trump’s agenda but also highlights looming challenges, from international backlash to domestic economic strain.
Domestic and global reactions to Trump’s moves
Within the U.S., Trump’s address unfolds amid rising polarization. Democrats aim to spotlight policy fallout, inviting affected citizens—like laid-off federal workers and students hit by education cuts—to the session. Republicans counter with symbolic guests, such as Corey Comperatore’s family, reinforcing Trump’s narrative of resilience against threats. Some Democratic lawmakers plan to skip the event, signaling the steep challenge of unifying the nation.
Globally, tariffs and the Ukraine aid cutoff have stirred sharp responses. European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rallied behind Zelensky at a London summit, while the Kremlin hailed the “crumbling of Western unity.” China, though critical, remains open to talks, hinting at a yuan devaluation to offset tariff effects. Mexico and Canada warn that the trade war could trigger a regional recession if tensions escalate, with early economic forecasts backing their concerns.
Trump’s agenda of cuts, tariffs, and deportations positions the U.S. at a crossroads of radical change. His congressional address, rich with symbolism and bold pledges, marks just the start of a presidency set to push the boundaries of America’s economy, diplomacy, and governance.
