Trump Declares He's 'Just Getting Started' in Address to Congress

In a lengthy address to Congress, Donald Trump celebrated his early presidency success while positioning himself for the upcoming challenges ahead.

Six weeks into his presidency, Donald Trump delivered a milestone address to a Republican-led US Congress, heralding many of his early accomplishments. "We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations in four years or eight years, and we are just getting started," he proclaimed to a mixed reception in the chamber.

Trump celebrated the mood shift he believes has washed over the nation, claiming it reflects greater "pride" and "confidence." Drawing comparisons to figures like George Washington, he emphasized the magnitude of his electoral win, declaring it a self-declared historical success. He highlighted a range of initiatives taken in his administration, including a series of executive orders, international aid freezes, and lower illegal border crossings.

Among the more controversial topics he addressed were his policies on gender in sports and educational reforms aimed at countering what he labeled "woke ideology." "Wokeness is trouble. Wokeness is bad. It's gone, it's gone, and we feel so much better for it, don't we?" he stated, provoking little response from the Democratic half of the audience, who held up signs reading "false" and "lies" in protest.

One Democrat, Congressman Al Green, was forcibly removed from the chamber after a disruptive outburst directed at the president. Green later shared his dissatisfaction with proposed cuts to Medicaid, emphasizing the need for government support for low-income families.

As his speech progressed, Trump focused on both the economic recovery and future measures needed to achieve his vision. While he cited statistics indicating increased optimism for small businesses, he also blamed President Biden for high consumer prices. He vowed to prioritize dramatic economic relief for working families and reshaped his vision for immigration policy and spending reforms.

Promising to strike trade deals that would protect the identity and well-being of the nation, Trump committed to reciprocal tariffs with major trading partners, even acknowledging potential adverse effects for farmers. Furthermore, he hinted at ambitious tax cut plans, pledging not to impose taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security, despite the additional strain these measures could place on the national budget deficit.

On the foreign policy front, Trump limited his comments, primarily reiterating the U.S. commitment to peace in Ukraine and the importance of American control over strategic regions. He claimed to have received encouraging correspondence from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, indicating a desire for collaboration under Trump’s leadership.

As Trump concluded his record-setting address, the polarized response from the audience showcased the ongoing division in U.S. politics, reflecting both strong support for his initiatives and sustained opposition to his policies and vision.