U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his inaugural address to a joint session of Congress, outlining the achievements of his administration’s first six weeks and unveiling an ambitious roadmap for the future.
In a speech brimming with bold assertions, Trump claimed he had restored free speech in America, established English as the nation’s official language, and, in a striking move, renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” Far more than a mere recap, this address served as both a declaration of intent and a powerful signal that his administration is determined to redefine America’s identity and global standing.
Trump opened his address by borrowing a signature phrase from his predecessor, Joe Biden, who often told world leaders during his presidency that “America is back” to reassure allies in Europe and Asia of renewed U.S. engagement. Trump, however, repurposed the line, infusing it with his own meaning: a signal that his America is reclaiming its strength and autonomy on its own terms.
“This is my fifth such speech to Congress,” Trump remarked, “and once again, I look at the Democrats seated before me and realize there’s nothing I can say to make them happy, to get them to stand, smile, or clap. Nothing.” This candid observation underscored the deep partisan divide and his unwavering resolve to press forward despite opposition.
“Our country will be woke no longer,” Trump declared, emphasizing that hiring should prioritize “skill and competence, not race or gender.” He added, “We’ve ended the tyranny of so-called ‘Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ policies across the federal government, the private sector, and our military.” This statement crystallized his administration’s rejection of progressive ideologies in favor of merit-based principles.
Taking aim at the Biden administration, Trump accused his predecessor of letting “the price of eggs spiral out of control.” He directed his Cabinet to address the issue, framing it as part of a broader commitment to tackling inflation and easing the burden on everyday Americans—a tangible promise rooted in kitchen-table concerns.
“You inherited a complete disaster from the previous administration,” Trump said, pointing to persistent inflation driving up the cost of eggs and other grocery staples. Blaming Biden-era policies, he vowed to reverse the economic challenges facing American families, striking a chord with voters feeling the pinch.
“We are going to balance the federal budget,” Trump pledged with conviction. “I want to achieve what hasn’t been done in nearly 24 years—balance the budget.” This ambitious goal highlighted his focus on fiscal discipline, offering a glimmer of hope to those weary of government overspending, though its feasibility remains a question.
“As you know, we inherited an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare from the last administration,” Trump asserted. He blamed Biden’s policies for soaring energy and grocery costs, claiming, “We suffered the worst inflation in 48 years—maybe even in our nation’s history, they’re not sure.” His promise to tame these pressures positioned him as a fixer of inherited woes.
In a stern warning to federal workers, Trump said, “Resist my administration’s policies, and you’re out.” He railed against bureaucratic red tape, vowing, “We will reclaim power from this unaccountable bureaucracy and restore true democracy to America. Any federal bureaucrat who resists will be removed immediately.” Reviving his “drain the swamp” mantra, he doubled down on dismantling entrenched government inefficiencies.
Trump announced that, effective April 2, reciprocal tariffs would be imposed on most U.S. trading partners. “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades—now it’s our turn,” he said, citing nations like India, China, and the European Union for their imbalanced trade practices. This policy shift could reshape global commerce and signaled a muscular approach to trade negotiations.
Trump proposed making interest payments on car loans tax-deductible—but only for vehicles manufactured in the U.S. “We’re going to see growth in the auto industry like never before,” he predicted, touting new plants and deals already in motion. This policy, he argued, would turbocharge domestic manufacturing and make the U.S. auto sector “absolutely boom.”