In a historic address to Congress, former US President Donald Trump declared that "America is back", marking his return to office with a controversial policy agenda. The speech, which lasted 100 minutes, became the longest presidential address to Congress in modern history. Trump's foreign policy stance, trade war escalations, immigration crackdown, and economic reforms took center stage, drawing sharp criticism from Democrats and uncertainty in the US financial markets.

US Foreign Policy: Aid to Ukraine Suspended, Russia Relations in Focus

Trump’s speech followed a stunning reversal of US policy on Ukraine, as he paused all military aid to the country. The move came after an Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, further rattling European allies. Trump signaled openness to negotiations with Russia, stating, “We’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”

However, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 70% of Americans—including two-thirds of Republicans—blame Russia for the war, contradicting Trump’s stance. Meanwhile, his Middle East policy remains ambitious, as he promised to expand the Abraham Accords, which had established relations between Israel and Arab nations during his first term.

Economic Turmoil: Market Volatility Amid New Tariffs

Trump’s speech took place against the backdrop of a second consecutive day of stock market turmoil, triggered by new sweeping tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada, and China.

His tariff policies have raised investor concerns, leading to a 9% drop in the Nasdaq Composite since December. Despite this, Trump reiterated his commitment to reciprocal tariffs, announcing that more tariffs will be imposed on April 2, affecting key trading partners.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown: Record-Low Border Crossings

Trump continued his hardline stance on immigration, boasting about a border crackdown that led to record-low migrant arrests in February. He proposed a $4.5 trillion plan to extend tax cuts, tighten border security, and increase deportations. Democrats strongly opposed the proposal, warning that the tax cuts could add $5 trillion to the national debt.

Democratic Walkouts and Protests

As Trump addressed Congress, Democrats protested, holding up signs saying "No King!" and "This Is NOT Normal." About half of the Democratic lawmakers walked out before the speech ended.

Trump, known for his aggressive political rhetoric, responded to the protests by stating, "There is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy."

Elon Musk’s Role in Trump’s Government Efficiency Drive

One of the biggest surprises in Trump’s speech was his praise for billionaire Elon Musk. Trump credited Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency for identifying “hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud” and implementing drastic government downsizing, which resulted in over 100,000 federal job cuts.

Musk, who was present in the gallery, received standing ovations from Republican lawmakers, cementing his influence in Trump’s administration.

Trump’s Budget and Debt Crisis: A Risky Plan?

Despite pushing for a balanced budget, Trump urged Congress to approve a $4.5 trillion tax cut plan, which could add trillions to the US debt. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that Trump's full tax agenda could cost between $5 trillion and $11.2 trillion over a decade.

Trump's economic policies remain controversial, with many analysts warning of a potential increase in inflation and economic instability.

Conclusion: What’s Next for the US?

Trump’s longest-ever Congress speech has set the stage for a high-stakes political battle. His foreign policy decisions, aggressive economic stance, and immigration measures have deeply divided the country. With new tariffs, tax cuts, and budget challenges looming, the impact of Trump’s policies on the US economy and global relations will unfold in the coming months.

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