US President Donald Trump's address to the US Congress on Tuesday covered a large range of topics, which appealed to his conservative base - the Republican Party.
Claiming he is working to bring back the "Golden Age of America," Trump claimed that his administration has "accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in 4 years or 8 years."
From the Ukraine War and recent spat with President Zelenskyy to reaffirming his "two gender" policy, here is a look at the key takeaways from Trump's biggest speech of the presidency.
Donald Trump's Congress Address | Key Takeaways
War On Federal Workforce
Trump's speech had several mentions of close advisor Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Addressing the joint session, Trump announced statistics which purportedly showed cases of government waste and fraud.
The Trump administration has already slashed almost all USAID projects, recalled the DEI initiatives and more as he claims the previous administrations introduced "wasteful projects."
"Thank you, Elon," the 78-year-old president said. "He's working very hard. He didn't need this," he added as Musk watched from the audience.
Stress On Immigration
As soon as he took oath as the 47th POTUS, Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the northern and southern borders of the United States with an aim to tackle immigration.
The President called on Congress to increase security funding, especially for his mass deportations. Since assuming office, Trump has already carried against Mexicans, Guatemalans and Indians.
"I have sent Congress a detailed funding request laying out exactly how we will eliminate these threats, protect our Homeland, and complete the largest deportation operation in American history, larger even than current record holder President Dwight D. Eisenhower—a moderate man but someone who believed very strongly in borders,” he said.
'Out Of Control' Egg Prices
A common theme during the address was "Biden Bashing". Trump slammed former President Joe Biden for various things, but one of the major criticisms that stood out was "soaring egg prices."
"Joe Biden especially let the price of eggs get out of control - and we are working hard to get it back down," he said.
As per reports, egg prices rose during the Biden administration after they directed that millions of egg-laying birds be culled due to the bird flu outbreak. However, the prices of eggs have continued to rise under Trump as well.
"Egg prices are out-of-control and i promise to make America affordable again. Among my very highest priorities is to rescue our economy and offer relief for working families," he added.
Democrats Go Pink!
Democratic leaders and lawmakers who attended Trump's Congressional speech made their dissent evident - by dressing up in pink.
Many female Democrats were spotted in bright pink dresses and suits as a sign of protest against Trump's policies and his administration and to reaffirm their support for female empowerment.
Furthermore, many leaders also carried placards titled "False", "Musk Steals", "Save Medicaid", and "Protect veterans". Some members of the party also wore pink badges which said "betrayed for billionaires."
Several House Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Melanie Stansbury and Jasmine Crockett walked out of the session while wearing “resist” T-shirts.
Tariffs, Tariffs and More Tariffs
Trump continued his tariff spree and announced the reciprocal taxes on Canada, Mexico and China.
"Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades and now it's our turn to start using them against those other countries. On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, - Mexico and Canada - Have you heard of them -and countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them. It's very unfair," stated Trump.
"Tariffs are about making America rich again and making America great again,” he said, adding that "there’ll be a little disturbance, but we’re okay with that."
Earlier this week, the president announced 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and a 20 percent tariff on Chinese imports.
China and Canada have already announced retaliatory tariffs on the US and Mexico is also expected to make a similar move.
Ukraine War, The Zelenskyy Spat And A Mention Of Gaza
Reiterating his election promise, Trump stated he will work towards ending both conflicts - the Ukraine and Gaza wars.
For Gaza, Trump has pushed a reconstruction plan backed by Israel but rejected by Palestine and Arab nations. This plan would see an exodus of Palestinians from the region while the US "reconstructs" the war-torn strip.
As far as Ukraine is concerned, Trump stated he wanted to see an end to the war and as started negotiations with Russia and Putin for the same.
Trump's statement to end the Ukraine war also comes after a heated and very public spat with President Zelenskyy at the Oval Office. This heated exchange also impacted the minerals deal with Kyiv.
However, the Ukrainian president issued a letter regarding the White House spat and stated that the Ukraine will continue to work with the US, which Trump "appreciated."
America 'No Longer Woke'
Trump's Congress address also saw a mention for his executive orders which reflected his anti-diversity stance.
"Our country will be woke no longer. We believe that whether you are a doctor, accountant, lawyer or an Air Traffic Controller - you should be hired and promoted based on skill and competence, not race or gender," he said.
He reaffirmed his policy on two genders and said - "We have removed the poison of critical race theory from our public schools. I signed an order making it the official policy of US govt that there are only two genders, male and female."
