Donald Trump declared the beginning of what he called "a new golden age" for America during his recent address to Congress, signaling his intent to celebrate the achievements of his administration after just 43 days. He stated, "America is back," asserting his administration has already accomplished more than previous ones did over several years.
Trump's speech, which lasted approximately 34 minutes, was the longest delivered by any president before Congress, according to the U.S. presidential project, which tracks speech lengths. The event reflected the deep divisions within the U.S. political climate. While Trump championed his successes — particularly claiming reductions in illegal border crossings — Democrats responded by holding up signs and booing.
“Illegal border crossings dropped to the lowest levels ever recorded last month. They heard my words and decided not to come,” Trump asserted, directly criticizing President Joe Biden's policies as one of the worst administrations in U.S. history.
The former president emphasized his administration’s strong policies, stating: "We are going to protect America,” and criticized the World Health Organization (WHO) for what he termed corruption. He reiterated his focus on border security, underscoring Foreign Minister Marco Rubio's role overseeing efforts to manage the southern border.
During the address, Trump pointed out achievements across various sectors, claiming to have resolved issues faster than any administration had before. “Many people say our first month was the most successful start of any administration,” he said, juxtaposing his accomplishments with those of past leaders, including George Washington.
Responding to the atmosphere of division, members of Congress voiced strong dissent. House Speaker Mike Johnson even called for the removal of Democratic Representative Al Green during his protest. Notably, Democratic lawmakers noticeably refrained from applauding or greeting Trump upon his entrance, marking a symbolic departure from past congressional norms.
Seeking to unify his supporters under the idea of grand dreams and bold actions, Trump called on Democrats to celebrate his administration's victories. "This is the time for big dreams and bold actions," he urged, highlighting numerous executive decisions he claimed to guarantee the American way of life. These included reinstatements of freedoms and dismantling what he characterized as government overreach.
Despite his domestic focus, Trump also stretched his views worldwide, asserting optimism for potential peace deals in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East. He expressed hope based on communications from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating, "I received important messages from Ukraine; they are ready to return to the negotiation table soon." Trump criticized the hefty financial commitment the U.S. has made to bolster Ukraine's defenses, underscoring his belief of American exploitation by foreign governments for decades.
Trump's aspirations extended beyond immediate domestic policy, hinting at interests concerning Greenland. He expressed confidence about obtaining the strategically significant land, saying, "We need it for national security, and I believe we will obtain it one way or another." This remark elicited laughter and applause from Republican supporters present.
Addressing controversial issues like gender transition, Trump made definitive claims, stating, “There are two genders officially recognized by the U.S. government.” He called upon Congress to pass legislation permanently banning surgical interventions related to gender transition for children, proclaiming the need to dispel societal misconceptions involving children trapped “in the wrong body.”
Trump's remarks exhibited not only his administration's policies but also his unwavering stance on freedom of expression, marking his intent to dismantle perceived political correctness prevalent across federal agencies. He applauded the U.S. Supreme Court for its courageous decisions—which he believes are aligning with the cause he champions.
Within this charged political atmosphere, Trump drew attention to prominent figures such as Elon Musk, commending their impact on government efficiency: “Even this side appreciates your work.” Despite his attempts at positive outreach, many Democrats remained vocal against his approaches.
Emphasizing the strong support he believes he has from Americans, Trump described the recent elections as reflecting unprecedented voter approval, with Republicans dominating the electoral map. He noted, "This was the first time Americans felt they were moving in the right direction," alluding to increasing optimism levels within the small business sector alongside shifting sentiments on health concerns.
While Trump invited audiences to envision his version of America’s potential, he remained extensively focused on his vision—a narrative intertwining national pride with critiques of his political adversaries. His speeches encapsulate sentiment as both celebratory and combative, sculpting the present political discourse around his ideologies.
Overall, Trump's address highlighted his administration's priorities, ideas on governance, and broader strategic goals, projecting what he hopes will be regarded as a monumental resurgence for the United States as it navigates through its complex social and political realities.