Special edition: Trump says ‘America is back’
Good evening… or morning! It’s Rebecca Morin, senior national news reporter at Paste BN, here with a special edition.
From tariffs to DEI, Trump defends divisive agenda in address to Congress
It was a House divided. Literally. On one side of the House chamber, President Donald Trump was met with elation – lawmakers and allies cheering on the commander-in-chief as he delivered the longest joint address in history where he said he’s “just getting started” on his sweeping presidential actions. On the other side, one Democrat was kicked out while others protested with signs and heckled the president.
So what did Trump talk about? The president defended his recent tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, even as Americans' economic concerns are still high. In fact, the president played the blame game on some high prices like eggs, saying it was former President Joe Biden’s fault that prices skyrocketed. The president also dug in on eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs, cracking down on immigration and touted anti-trans policies. A recap of Trump’s speech.
- See photos of Trump’s address to a divided Congress
- Trump's speech was a victory lap after his shock-and-awe blitz on DC
- Trump says Americans should get ready for 'a little disturbance' from tariffs
As Trump spoke, Democrats protested
It wasn’t all smiles for President Trump. Just minutes into his address, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, stood up from his seat, pointed his cane at Trump and interrupted the speech. Green began saying “You don’t have a mandate …” before being drowned out by jeers and chants of “USA.” He later told reporters he was speaking up against cuts to Medicaid. Green was removed from the chamber. Throughout Trump’s one hour and 39 minute speech, several Democrats walked out in protest. Read more.
- It wasn’t just Green. Democrats protest Trump's address with signs that said “This is not normal" and "Musk steals."
- Democratic women wear pink to protest Trump
- See how Trump's speech was interrupted by heckling and protests by Democrats
A politics pit stop, Trump’s speech edition
- Trump heaps praise Elon Musk and DOGE for cutting government spending
- After White House clash, Trump says Zelenskyy sent him a letter expressing gratitude
- Which members of Trump's family showed up for his address to Congress?
- AOC didn’t attend Trump’s speech
- Meet the 'everyday Americans' who were in the crowd for Trump's address
Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.