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President Donald Trump will deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress since reclaiming the White House on Tuesday, laying out an ambitious agenda that includes a dramatic restructuring of the federal government, a crackdown on illegal immigration, and aggressive trade policies.
The speech, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, comes as Trump seeks to accelerate his administration’s efforts with Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House. However, despite GOP control, progress on passing legislation tied to Trump’s campaign promises has been slow.
A Radical Government Overhaul
Trump is expected to focus heavily on his administration’s push to reshape the federal government through the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk. The initiative has already led to mass layoffs of federal employees and the shuttering of multiple agencies, sparking legal battles and widespread confusion among government workers.
Supporters argue the effort is necessary to cut waste and streamline bureaucracy, while critics warn of dangerous instability. “This is the most sweeping attack on the public sector in modern history,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. “Trump is gutting government under the guise of ‘efficiency.’”
Crackdown on Immigration and Trade Tariffs
Trump will also highlight his hard-line immigration policies. Since taking office, he has suspended asylum processing at the southern border and halted refugee resettlement. His attempt to end birthright citizenship has been blocked by the courts, but his administration continues to portray its immigration strategy as a success.
The president is expected to defend his tariff-driven approach to trade, including a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada. The White House argues the tariffs will curb illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, despite data showing both issues were already in decline before the policies were enacted.
Foreign Policy: Ukraine, Gaza, and U.S. Global Influence
Trump’s stance on foreign policy will be closely watched, particularly regarding Ukraine and the Middle East. The president has signaled a willingness to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, though tensions flared last week in a heated Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In the Middle East, Trump has floated an unprecedented proposal for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip and redevelop the territory. Critics argue the move would upend decades of diplomatic precedent, though details remain vague.
Why This Isn’t a State of the Union Address
While Trump’s speech mirrors the format of a State of the Union address, it is instead a joint session address, traditionally given by new presidents outlining their agenda. However, Trump’s situation is unique—he’s the first president in more than 130 years to serve non-consecutive terms.
Democratic Response: Slotkin, Espaillat, and Simon to Fire Back
Following Trump’s address, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) will deliver the official Democratic response, likely focusing on economic concerns, government overreach, and Trump’s relationship with Musk. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.)will provide a Spanish-language response, while Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.) will speak on behalf of progressives.
Democrats are expected to hammer Trump on inflation, job losses due to government layoffs, and his controversial policies on immigration and trade.
A Defining Speech for Trump’s Second Term
Tuesday’s speech will be a defining moment for Trump as he seeks to push his vision through a divided Congress. With legal battles mounting and opposition growing, the president’s address is expected to set the tone for the next phase of his presidency.
