'Ending wokeness, claiming Greenland, reciprocal tariffs': Highlights from Trump's speech
What's the story
President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, focusing on his administration's early actions and future plans.
He delivered the longest address by any US president, lasting more than an hour and 40 minutes.
During the speech, he defended the newly imposed 25% tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico, saying these measures are about "protecting the soul of our country."
"Now it's our turn" to start using tariffs against other countries, he said.
Tariffs
Reciprocal tariffs on April 2
The president said the reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2.
"If you don't make your product in America, however, under the Trump administration, you will pay a tariff, and in some cases, a rather large one," he said.
"India charges us auto tariffs higher than 100%..China's average tariff on our products is twice what we charge them. And South Korea's average tariff is four times higher," he continued.
Cultural critique
Trump criticizes transgender rights, diversity programs
Trump's speech was rife with attacks on transgender rights and diversity programs.
"Wokeness is bad...It's gone," he said.
He also took a victory lap on his migration crackdown, calling Joe Biden's border policies "insane and very dangerous."
The address was greeted by protests from Democrats who heckled him and waved signs reading "SAVE MEDICAID" and "PROTECT VETERANS."
Some laughed aloud when Trump suggested the era of "unelected bureaucrats" is over, pointing to Elon Musk, who watched from the gallery.
Policy and blame
Take Greenland 'one way or another'
He also stated that the US would take control of Greenland "one way or another."
"We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America," he said.
Trump also pledged to Greenlanders that America would "keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before."
Ukraine
We are taking back Panama: Trump
Trump also regretted the billions of dollars spent by the US to assist Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's incursion, eliciting ironic and sustained applause from Democrats who backed military and economic aid.
"You want to keep it going for another five years?" Trump asked.
Trump also maintained his calls for US control of the Panama Canal.
"We didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama. We're taking it back," he said of the Panama Canal.
Strong conclusion
Trump concludes speech with strong assertion
Furthermore, the president detailed his policy agenda, including calls for tax cuts and repealing the CHIPS and Science Act.
He urged Congress to "get rid of" the CHIPS and Science Act, passed during the Biden administration. The law aims to increase semiconductor chip manufacturing in the United States for both economic and national security purposes.
Trump ended his speech by saying, "America is back," and the American dream is stronger than ever.