WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — President Trump promised in his joint address to Congress “swift and unrelenting action” to rework the country’s economy, immigration strategy, and international relations. The 99-minute speech was greeted with hearty applause from Republicans while Democrats protested in silence, with placards, and through the expulsion of one legislator from the chamber.
Trump, energized by the Republican Party’s grip on the White House, Senate, and House, led the charge in his administration’s bid to reduce the size of the federal government and implement fresh tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China. The action has already fueled economic doubt, wiping out post-election highs in the S&P 500 and prompting retaliatory tariffs from U.S. trade partners.
“It’s been nothing but rapid and relentless action,” Trump said. “The people elected me to get the job done, and I’m getting it done.”
Billionaire advisor Elon Musk, who sat in the gallery, was given standing ovations by Republicans as Trump thanked him for his actions to rein in federal overreach. But the president also repeated claims about government waste, which Democrats refute.
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, in the Democratic response, shot back that though Americans want change, “there’s a responsible way to make change and a reckless way.”On foreign policy, Trump explained his freeze of military aid to Ukraine and asserted that talks with Russia heralded a route to peace. “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he said.
During the speech, tensions erupted in the chamber. Texas Rep. Al Green was escorted out after shouting denunciations, and other Democrats quietly held up signs that said “Save Medicaid” and “Protect Veterans.”As Trump finished, Republicans shouted, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”—quoting his battle cry after last summer’s attempt on his life.
