LIVE: Reciprocal tariffs against India from April 2, announces Trump in Congress address
Trump’s address comes in the backdrop of his administration’s tough stance on immigration and tariff and withdrawal of US military aid for Ukraine
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (February 4) explained in detail his administration’s ruthless policies on gender, tariff and illegal immigration while sharpening his attack on predecessor Joe Biden, during his first joint address to the Congress since he was sworn in for a second term.
Trump took credit for “swift and unrelenting action” in reorienting the nation's economy, immigration and foreign policy as he updated Congress and the American people on his turbulent first few weeks in office, which have featured a dismantling of the federal government, tensions with America's allies and a trade war compounding economic uncertainty.
His joint address to Congress was the latest marker in Trump's takeover of the nation's capital, where the Republican-led House and Senate have done little to restrain the president as he and his allies work to slash the size of the federal government and remake America's place in the world. With a tight grip on his party, Trump has been emboldened to take sweeping actions after overcoming impeachments in his first term and criminal prosecutions in between his two administrations.
Trump's theme was the "renewal of the American dream,” the White House said, and he laid out his achievements as well as appealed to Congress to provide more money to finance his aggressive immigration crackdown.
“It has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump said of his opening weeks in office, according to excerpts prepared by the White House. “The People elected me to do the job, and I am doing it.”
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Live Updates
- 5 March 2025 4:55 AM GMT
Key takeaways from Trump's speech
India and Tariffs:
Trump criticized India for imposing auto tariffs exceeding 100% while the U.S. charges significantly less.
Announced "reciprocal tariffs" starting April 2, where the U.S. will impose equal tariffs on countries charging high tariffs on American goods.
China and Trade Policy:
Claimed China charges double the tariffs the U.S. imposes.
Pledged to reintroduce tariffs on foreign-made goods to protect domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China.
Criticized the Biden administration for not enforcing previous trade agreements with China.
Language Policy:
Signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States.
Renamed Mount McKinley and Gulf of Mexico to Mount McKinley and Gulf of America, respectively.
Other Major Points
Border Security and Immigration:
Declared a national emergency on the southern border and deployed military and border patrol.
Signed the Laken Riley Act, mandating detention for dangerous criminal aliens.
Announced the largest deportation operation in American history, surpassing Eisenhower’s record.
Economic Policy and Tax Cuts:
Proposed permanent tax cuts on income, domestic production, and manufacturing.
Announced a new "Gold Card" program offering a $5 million path to U.S. citizenship for job-creating investors.
Energy Policy:
Declared a national energy emergency and committed to expanding oil, gas, and critical mineral production.
Announced the construction of a gigantic natural gas pipeline in Alaska.
Social Policies and Culture:
Banned Critical Race Theory and gender ideology in public schools.
Signed an executive order recognizing only two genders and banning transgender athletes in women’s sports.
Ended federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Military and Defense:
Proposed a Golden Dome Missile Defense Shield to protect the U.S.
Created a new Office of Shipbuilding to revive domestic ship production.
Announced the U.S. is reclaiming the Panama Canal.
Crime and Justice Reform:
Signed an executive order mandating the death penalty for those who kill police officers.
Called for a new crime bill to target repeat offenders and protect law enforcement.
Foreign Policy:
Claimed Mexico handed over 29 cartel leaders due to tariff pressures.
Pledged to pursue peace in Ukraine and mentioned receiving a letter from President Zelensky expressing willingness to negotiate.
Announced the capture of the ISIS terrorist responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing.
Government Efficiency and Accountability:
Launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk to reduce waste and fraud.
Criticized Social Security inefficiencies, highlighting millions of payments to implausibly aged recipients.
American Industry and Jobs:
Praised new investments from Apple, Taiwan Semiconductor, and OpenAI due to post-election economic optimism.
Imposed a 25% tariff on foreign aluminum, copper, lumber, and steel to protect U.S. industry.
Children’s Protection and Family Values:
Announced a presidential commission to Make America Healthy Again, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., focusing on reducing childhood cancers and environmental toxins.
Urged Congress to ban child sex changes and criminalize medical transition for minors.
American Identity and National Pride:
Emphasized the "Golden Age of America", framing his presidency as the beginning of a historic national revival.
Concluded with a call to action: "Fight, Fight, Fight" for the American Dream.
- 5 March 2025 3:49 AM GMT
“I got a letter from Zeleneskyy saying Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table for peace…Ukraine is ready to sign the minerals deal…simultaneously we have Russia on board for peace...”
- 5 March 2025 3:47 AM GMT
Trump on Ukraine
Millions of Ukrainians and Russians were needlessly killed. US has spent hundreds of billions of dollars for Ukraine with no security…”
- 5 March 2025 3:42 AM GMT
Message for Greenland
"We welcome you into USA. We need Greenland for international security...one way or the other, we will get it."
- 5 March 2025 3:40 AM GMT
'Panama Canal was built by Americans for Americans, not for others'
"But others can use it...it was the most expensive project...we are taking it back"
