Four takeaways from Trump’s address to Congress
See how President Trump’s address to Congress unfolded.
The first time Donald Trump addressed Congress after his 2016 election, he was still finding his footing in the world’s most powerful position. He spoke of unity, America’s promise, and areas where he hoped to collaborate with Democrats, such as a major infrastructure bill and paid family leave.
This time around? Not so much.
Not only were the circumstances different when Trump delivered his first address to Congress in his second term
on Tuesday night, but Trump himself had also changed. He now knows the
job. He has a clearer vision of what he wants to accomplish and scores
he wants to settle. As a result, he is already on track for one of the
most consequential first 100 days of any president.
Over the course of 100 minutes, Trump used the speech to reframe some of his less popular decisions and to urge Congress to enact key parts of his agenda — just as every president before him has done.
That said, as both supporters and critics would agree, Trump is no ordinary president, and these are no ordinary times — particularly given the recent tariffs imposed on US allies and a reorientation of foreign policy for the first time in a generation.
Overall, it was a campaign-like speech with a lot of dark imagery of the nation he leads, that unabashedly went deep on the culture wars.
Here were some of the main takeaways:
1. Congressional Republicans were the primary audience, not Democrats, not viewers at home
From the outset, Trump made it clear that there would be no message of unity. He celebrated his victory in the November election at length, then called his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, “the worst president in American history.” He also taunted Democrats, most of whom remained seated, many holding auction paddle-like signs with messages like “false.”
“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,” he said.
One Democrat, however, refused to stay seated. Texas Representative Al Green was removed from the House just five minutes into Trump’s address
for repeatedly interrupting him. (Biden’s first address to Congress
featured Republican Congresswomen Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor
Green standing and shouting, but they were not removed from the
chamber.) Later on, a group of progressive members of Congress walked
out on Trump, including Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley.
Trump also referenced his legal troubles during the Biden administration.
“How did that work out? Not too good,” he said triumphantly, as Republicans cheered.
Then, as some Democrats held up Ukrainian flags in protest of Trump’s call to wind down the war, Trump noticed Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and called her “Pocahontas,” his nickname aimed at mocking her for her claims of Native American heritage.
Later, when Trump began making requests for legislative action, he addressed only Republicans. Then again, with Republicans in control of Congress, they are all he needs.
2. The Elon Musk Factor
In the first 43 days of the Trump administration, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has played a prominent role. He held an ad hoc press conference in the Oval Office, spoke for 20 minutes at the first cabinet meeting, and received two ovations during a State of the Union-style address.
Musk also was a central figure in the speech. Democrats held signs referencing him, and when Trump criticized Washington for being ruled by “unelected bureaucrats,” some Democrats reportedly pointed up at Musk. Additionally, Trump’s remarks included several minutes on Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, highlighting claims — some less credible — about fraud and abuse in federal operations.
For those keeping track, Trump didn’t once ask for any applause for his vice president, JD Vance.
3. Immigration, Immigration, Immigration
Some 15 percent of the speech was dedicated to discussing immigration — a focus that should surprise no one familiar with Trump since his 2015 campaign announcement. He highlighted families affected by violent crimes committed by individuals in the country illegally and emphasized his plans for mass deportations and targeting so-called sanctuary cities like Boston, though he didn’t single out a specific city by name.
4. A Limited Legislative Agenda
Trump spent more time discussing his past actions as president and future executive plans than urging Congress to act. Beyond a broad call for “tax cuts for everybody,” a request for border security legislation, and increase defense spending, he made few legislative appeals.
This starkly contrasts with nearly every modern president — including Trump in his first term — who typically uses such speeches to lay out an ambitious legislative agenda.
James Pindell is a Globe political reporter who reports and analyzes American politics, especially in New England.