During his 100-minute speech to Congress, Trump failed to substantively address two of his key issues on the campaign trail: immigration and the economy
After three months of contemplating the fate of their party following a brutal election cycle, Democrats displayed a united show of force March 4 evening as President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress.
Democratic congresswomen dressed in pink blazers to protest Trump’s policies, including the gutting of most foreign aid, the slashing of the federal workforce, and possible cuts to Medicare. At a critical moment, five congresswomen took off their blazers to reveal t-shirts bearing the phrase “Resist.” They then walked out. Others held up signs saying “False,” and “Protect Medicaid,” during the 100-minute speech.
Black Congressman ejected
During his introductory remarks, the president was interrupted by Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who shouted that Trump had no mandate to cut Medicaid benefits. House Speaker Mike Johnson tried to bring order to the chambers, as Green repeated his claims. The 77-year-old congressman, who walks with a cane, was eventually escorted out.
In an interview with reporters immediately following his ouster, Green said: “I have heard from people who are very fearful. These are poor people and they have only Medicaid in their lives when it comes to healthcare.”
Green noted that Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security were safety-net programs that his constituents depended on. He told reporters he was trying to tell Trump to protect and expand those safety nets. Democrats later condemned Green’s ejection, saying it violated 1st Amendment rights to freedom of speech.
‘Economic catastrophe’
Trump’s address to Congress resembled a campaign rally at times: long on accomplishments and short on actual policy. He sailed past one of his key issues on the campaign trail: the revival of a flailing economy. “We’ve inherited an economic catastrophe and an inflation nightmare,” said the president, blaming the former Biden administration. “We’re working to make America affordable again. Egg prices are out of control,” he said, vaguely explaining how new tariffs which began that day, and reciprocal tariffs — which will begin April 2 — would add more revenue to the nation’s coffers.
Economists have predicted Trump’s tariffs could cost American consumers an average of $1200 per year per household. But Trump said heavy tariffs would result in expanding America’s manufacturing base, resulting in good-paying jobs for Americans.
Immigration
The president also touted his success with border security, noting that border crossings had dropped to a 20-year low during his first 5 weeks in office. He acknowledged several families in the audience who had lost loved ones to gang members.
Trump proudly noted the end of initiatives addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he said, also riffing on the “poison of critical race theory.”
Two genders only
Trump drew a standing ovation from Republicans as he announced afresh: “There are only two genders – male and female.” He pledged to kick men out of women’s sports and asked Congress to pass a bill banning sex change operations for young people. “We want to tell them: ‘you are perfect exactly the way God made you.’”
“The golden age of America has just begun,” said Trump as he ended his speech.
‘Billionaire giveaway’
Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, delivered the Democratic rebuttal, noting that the middle class must be shored up. “People should be able to afford the cars they are working on.” she said.
She denounced Trump’s plans as a “billionaire give-away,” noting that only the wealthy would profit from the tax cuts he has proposed. “This could walk us right into a recession.”
“Our democracy is at risk,” said Slotkin, who served 3 tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, also delivered a sharp rebuke to Trump immediately following his speech. In an email to reporters, Meng stated: “Trump and Congressional Republicans want to pay for tax breaks for billionaires by slashing Medicaid, gutting public education, and ripping away food assistance—vital programs that our community depends on. “His administration is intent on erasing AANHPI contributions from American history, ripping immigrant communities apart, and eliminating language access for individuals with limited English proficiency,” stated Meng, excoriating Trump for revoking a Clinton Administration executive order that required federal agencies to provide language access to individuals with limited English proficiency who need help accessing federal services.
