This Week in Politics
Trump Congressional Address
In the longest recorded presidential speech on record President Donald J. Trump outlined a vision for his second term in office and presented a new image of America following the Biden Administration. He proclaimed "America is back," touting that his administration has done more in the past weeks than some in their entire tenure, referencing not least the new tariff policy, the European and Ukrainian relationship, alongside mass layoffs within the federal government.
"Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the dawn of the golden age of America. From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era in the history of our country. We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years — and we are just getting started," President Trump stated in his congressional address.
Mere minutes into the address Congressman Al Green interrupted the address in protest. He waved his cane in the air and shouted “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid” as the president declared his unheard-of mandate in modern history. Simultaneously, his protest was drowned with the chants of "USA! USA! USA!" by Republicans. Speaker Johnson moved to remove Mr Green citing a breach of House decorum.
"In fact, it has been stated by many that the first month of our presidency — it’s our presidency — is the most successful in the history of our nation. By many. And what makes it even more impressive is that do you know who No. 2 is? George Washington. How about that? How about that? I don’t know about that list, but. But we’ll take it," President Trump stated.
In an attack on Democrats' bipartisanship, Mr Trump explained that no matter his actions or policy the Democratic Party would always find itself opposed to the incumbent president. He proposed that "Democrats sitting before me, for just this one night, why not join us in celebrating so many incredible wins for America?"
"I look at the Democrats in front of me and I realize there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or to make them stand or smile or applaud. Nothing I can do. I could find a cure to the most devastating disease, a disease that would wipe out entire nations ... and these people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements. They won’t do it no matter what," President Trump directed toward Democratic lawmakers not joining Republicans in enthusiasm.
Mr Trump spoke of his economic policy of deregulation. He explained that the policies of the last administration were costing the United States trillions through the Paris Agreement and their regulations had made America "far less safe and totally unaffordable." He recognised a letter sent by Ukrainian President Zelensky, following the debacle meeting between the nations at the White House, stating his appreciation. The president reiterated his want for America to own Greenland and his plan to reclaim the Panama Canal. Moreover, he continued his support for billionaire businessman Elon Musk and his role in government. Similar to his campaign rhetoric he mentioned energy and drilling as a means to slow inflation. These were outlined as some of the president's main points within his first weeks back at the helm. Whether the president can succeed in his endeavours remains to be seen and will be defining for his legacy as a 2 non-consecutive term president.
Democratic Response to the Presidential Address
First-term Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan headed the Democratic Response to the Presidential address. She directed scathing criticism toward the president alongside Elon Musk. Yet, also mentioned how places like Wyandotte, Michigan, won by President Trump and herself in the 2024 elections still upheld many of the American values viewed as important.Namely, those of hard work, playing by the rules, and this being a formula of success.
"It reminds me of how I grew up. My dad was a lifelong Republican, my mom a lifelong Democrat. But it was never a big deal. Because we had shared values that were bigger than any one party," Senator Slotkin started on a more bipartisan note.
Senator Slotkin explained the "peace through strength" concept used by President Ronald Reagan, underpinning her view that Mr Trump's reiteration and utilisation of the concept is starkly different. Mentioning herself as a "Cold War kid" Senator Slotkin continued that she was happy that President Reagan and not President Trump was in charge during the 1980s.
"President Trump loves to promise "peace through strength." That's actually a line he stole from Ronald Reagan. But let me tell you, after the spectacle that just took place in the Oval Office last week, Reagan must be rolling over in his grave. We all want an end to the war in Ukraine, but Reagan understood that true strength required America to combine our military and economic might with moral clarity," Senator Slotkin stated.
Her response also focused on billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred toas DOGE. She questioned whether anyone "is comfortable with him and his gang of 20-year-olds using their own computer servers to poke through your tax returns, your health information and your bank accounts?"
"But this isn't the first time we've experienced significant and tumultuous change as a country. I'm a student of history, and we've gone through periods of political instability before. And ultimately, we've chosen to keep changing this country for the better," Senator Slotkin declared in a message of hope to her fellow Democrats and other Trump-disillusioned voters.
