Read the Full Transcript of President Trump’s Speech to Congress
New York TimesMAR 3
Trump Delivers Speech to Congress
Above: US Pres. Donald Trump, center, speaks during a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Image copyright: Kent Nishimura/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
US Pres. Donald Trump delivered the longest congressional address in modern history on Tuesday, speaking for approximately 100 minutes to highlight his administration's first six weeks in office and declare that "America is back."
During the speech, Democratic lawmakers held up placards reading "liar" and "false." Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was forcibly removed from the chamber after disrupting the speech by shouting and waving his cane, reportedly marking the first such ejection in modern history.
Trump spoke at length about his trade policies, following his new 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on China, which caused market turbulence. In his speech, he said, "There may be a little disturbance."
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump's address was a speech for the ages, boldly prioritizing American citizens over foreigners and law-abiding citizens over criminals. He cited his border security successes and honored victims of migrant crime, showcasing a presidency in full command. Democrats, with their silly paddles and the ejection of Rep. Al Green, looked childish and out of touch in their resistance as Trump's vision dominated.
Democratic narrative
Trump's speech was a divisive, lie-laden rant, not a historic triumph. He falsely claimed economic miracles, exaggerated border successes, and fabricated Social Security fraud to push cuts — brazen deceit exposed by fact-checks. His antagonistic jabs at Democrats only deepened the country's divide, while his tariff threats further endangered prices. He may have made himself feel good, but he was not putting Americans first.