Politics
Trump touts renewed peace talks in Ukraine, makes claims on Greenland
Trump delivered his first joint address to Congress on Tuesday since his return to power, addressing Ukraine and Greenland in a record 99 minute speech.
He wasted no time in outlining his administration’s achievements, emphasising what he believes to be an unparalleled level of success in a remarkably short period.
“America’s momentum, spirit, pride, and confidence are back,” Trump declared. “The American dream is surging bigger and better than ever before. It is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed.”
The president also reflected on the speed and scale of his accomplishments, stating that his administration had achieved more in just 43 days than most past administrations had in four or even eight years.
“This has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action,” Trump said, underscoring his commitment to delivering results for the American people.
Trump’s address covered a wide range of issues, from international relations to domestic policy. His comments ranged from discussions of Ukraine’s push for peace talks to new tariff proposals and his vision for the US economy.
Here’s a look at some of the key points he made during his remarks.
Ukraine: Renewed peace talks?
One of the most significant moments in Trump’s speech came when he recited a letter he had received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday.
According to Trump, Zelenskyy expressed a desire to return to the negotiating table after a previously contentious Oval Office meeting that had broken down peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
He quoted part of the letter, which read, “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to achieve a lasting peace.”
Zelenskyy also acknowledged America’s support for Ukraine, stating, “We do really value how much America has done to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence. Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you.”
Trump mentioned that he and Zelenskyy were initially set to sign a minerals deal at the White House on Friday, but the meeting ended in a heated exchange, leading to Zelenskyy being asked to leave.
Trump expressed appreciation for the letter and noted that, “simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”
Trump followed up by adding, “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”, expressing optimism about the possibility of a peace deal and highlighting that both sides might be closer than ever to resolving the conflict, despite the failure of previous talks.
Tariffs: A sharp critique of global trade practices
In a marked shift to domestic policy, Trump sharply criticised several nations for what he described as “unfair” trade practices against the US.
He specifically pointed to the European Union, India, Mexico, and Brazil, noting that these countries – and “many others” – had imposed trade policies that disadvantaged American interests.
He declared, “This is happening by both friends and foes,” referring to both allies and adversaries that impose high tariffs on American goods.
Trump announced that starting on 2 April, the US would impose “reciprocal tariffs,” meaning that the US would impose the same tariffs on countries that levy taxes on American products.
“Whatever they tax us, we will tax them,” he said, explaining how the new tariff system would work. Historically, Trump argued, the US has imposed lower tariffs than many of its trading partners, and now it was time to reverse that trend.
This week, the Trump administration imposed significant tariffs on Mexico and Canada. In response, both nations announced retaliatory tariffs, raising concerns that this could spark a full-fledged trade war.
President Donald Trump is applauded as he arrives to address a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington. Mandel Ngan/Pool Photo via AP
Economists have warned that such a conflict could drive up consumer prices, but Trump remained steadfast in his position that the US had been unfairly treated by foreign trade partners for years.
“We will take in trillions and trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before,” Trump said with confidence, signalling that his administration’s tough stance on tariffs would significantly boost the US economy and manufacturing sector.
In particular, he pointed to the US auto industry, which he claimed was “absolutely booming” thanks to a combination of tariffs and his victory in the 2016 election.
He acknowledged that tariffs would create some “disturbance,” but assured that the country would be “OK with that.”
Trump praised Mexico for its recent efforts to extradite cartel leaders to the US, but he pushed for more action, specifically to combat fentanyl trafficking.
“But we need more from Mexico and Canada to stop fentanyl from crossing the border,” he said, calling on Congress to pass a bill that would enhance border security and reduce drug trafficking.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his stance on immigration, stating that his administration had already submitted a detailed funding request to Congress aimed at “carrying out the largest deportation operation in US history.”
The economy: ‘Rescue’ and relief for working families
Trump also addressed the state of the US economy, claiming that one of his top priorities was to “rescue our economy” and provide “relief” for American families.
He blamed the previous administration for the economic challenges he inherited, describing it as an “economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare.”
Trump made it clear that he believed the current economic woes were a direct result of policies enacted under President Joe Biden’s leadership.
“I’m fighting every day to make America affordable again,” Trump said, pledging to reverse the economic downturn and reduce costs for working-class families.
He criticised Biden for the sharp rise in prices for goods like eggs, calling it an example of “out of control” inflation. He promised to address these issues head-on, aiming to make life more affordable for American families struggling with rising costs.
Elon Musk claps as President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the Capitol. Win McNamee/Pool Photo via AP
Greenland: ‘I think we’re going to get it’
Trump revisited his controversial interest in acquiring Greenland, a proposal that first gained attention during his first term.
Although Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, Trump suggested that the US would “welcome” the island into its fold for national security reasons.
“I think we’re going to get it,” Trump said of Greenland, indicating that he believed the US would ultimately obtain control of the territory “one way or another.”
The acquisition of Greenland, which is home to a large US military base, has been a long-standing goal for Trump. He framed it as an opportunity to strengthen US national security while also bringing economic prosperity to the country.
“It would make them rich, and it would make us safe,” Trump added.
Trump also expressed his desire to “reclaim” the Panama Canal, a remark that seemed to be both an ambitious foreign policy goal and a veiled jab at his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who has faced criticism for his handling of US foreign policy.
Law and order: Aggressive policing
Trump’s speech also touched on issues related to law enforcement and public safety, continuing his campaign rhetoric surrounding “law and order.”
He called for a return to stronger law enforcement in US cities, claiming that “our justice system has been turned upside down by Radical Left lunatics.”
Trump painted a picture of Democratic-led cities as overrun with crime, despite evidence suggesting a broader decline in violent crime rates since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks, Trump advocated for more aggressive policing, suggesting that “one rough hour” of law enforcement action would be enough to put an end to retail theft and other crimes.
He also pushed for greater protection for police officers, including “immunity from prosecution” for those involved in law enforcement actions.
Disruption in the chamber and protests nationwide
Trump’s address was not without controversy.
During his speech, Democratic Representative Al Green shouted, “You have no mandate,” challenging the legitimacy of Trump’s policies and leadership.
Democratic representative Al Green is escorted from the Chamber after heckling the President. AP Photo/Ben Curtis
Green was promptly escorted out of the chamber, buy other protests were visible in the audience, where small signs reading “Protect Veterans,” “Save Medicaid,” and “False” were raised in protest.
Protests were also held across the United States as Trump made his address, with pro-Ukraine demonstrators gathering outside the US Capitol and large crowds rallying against the President and his agenda outside the Fox News Headquarters in New York.
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