Trump has vowed to ‘make America rich again’
Donald Trump set out his vision for the USA’s future during his first speech to Congress as 47th president on Tuesday (March 4).
Trump’s Record-Breaking Speech: Economic Strategies and Tariff Battles
In a record-breaking 99-minute speech, Donald Trump promised to “make America rich again,” casting blame on the Biden administration for soaring egg and energy prices while outlining his ambitious plans for the economy.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, the controversial head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), received a double standing ovation, drawing attention for his role in government reform. Meanwhile, Congressman Al Green was removed from the session after heckling Trump, claiming the president “has no mandate.”
Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s controversial speech:
Tariff Showdown:
Trump didn’t hold back on the trade front, introducing reciprocal tariffs on goods from most of the U.S.’s trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. He declared:
“Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them.”
The president confirmed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, with Canadian energy tariffs set at 10%. He also doubled tariffs on Chinese imports, bringing them to their highest levels since the 1940s.
These moves, while aimed at protecting American interests, could result in inflating prices for U.S. consumers, despite Trump’s assurances that he would eventually bring costs down. In response to these new tariffs:
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed the tariffs as “a very dumb thing to do.”
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., with details expected to be revealed on Sunday.
Reciprocal Tariffs to Begin April 2:
Trump confirmed that reciprocal tariffs would be in place from April 2, claiming that these tariffs had been in the works for weeks—though he purposely avoided launching them on April 1 to avoid the appearance of an April Fool’s joke.
While Trump acknowledged the potential for short-term price hikes, he reassured the audience:
“Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again. And it’s happening and it will happen rather quickly. There will be a little disturbance, but we’re ok with that.”
False Social Security Claims:
The speech wasn’t just about tariffs and economic policy. Trump also discussed false claims about social security, igniting further controversy. However, much of the focus was on his aggressive trade moves, leaving many wondering how the American public would respond to rising prices in exchange for his bold strategy.
Musk’s Standing Ovations and Trump’s Controversial Claims
Billionaire Elon Musk, seated in the House gallery, became the recipient of two standing ovations from Republicans in the chamber as President Trump shared false claims about alleged government abuses uncovered by Musk and his teams at Tesla and SpaceX.
Trump’s remarks took a controversial turn as he repeated false claims about Social Security, alleging that tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are still receiving payments. This prompted shouts of protest from some Democrats, with phrases like “Not true!” and “Those are lies!” echoing across the chamber.
Egg Prices and the Cost of Living:
As the speech continued, Trump also addressed the skyrocketing egg prices under the current administration. While blaming Biden’s policies for the price hikes, Trump promised to restore America’s economic stability by implementing his bold tariffs and making adjustments to the U.S. trade system. However, critics remain concerned about the long-term impact of these measures on everyday Americans.
Trump’s Economic Promises and Migration Crackdown
During his 99-minute speech, President Trump declared that rescuing the economy and offering relief to working families was among his top priorities. He vowed to organize the federal government to tackle the rising costs of eggs and energy, shifting the blame squarely on President Biden’s policies, but failed to provide clear details of his own plans.
Tackling Migration
Trump also called for the extension of his first-term tax cuts and additional federal funding for his border crackdown, which includes his controversial promise of “mass deportation” of individuals living in the U.S. illegally. He celebrated his previous migration policies, stating, “It turns out all we really needed was a new president.”
Zelenskyy’s Message & Ukraine Minerals Deal
As part of his remarks, Trump expressed his appreciation for a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling Ukraine’s willingness to sign a minerals agreement that had previously broken down. Trump also claimed he had received strong signals from Russia, suggesting that Moscow may be ready for peace, adding with hope: “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
A Shifting Tone on Ukraine and Global Security
Trump’s comments came amidst heightened tensions over the war in Ukraine, with his diplomatic stance remaining a key focus of his address. His tone seemed to indicate a possible shift in approach towards international peace, especially in relation to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
