Seven takeaways from Donald Trump’s speech to US Congress
Al Jazeera
As he reshapes the US government and upends old alliances, Trump says he’s just getting started.
In a lengthy speech before both houses of the United States Congress, President Donald Trump claimed that his return to office marked the “most successful era in the history of our country”.
Addressing the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday, Trump said his administration had “accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years”.
“And we are just getting started,” he said.
His remarks touched on many familiar themes: calls for a massive crackdown on undocumented immigrants, whom he attacked as criminals and rapists, praise of “beautiful” tariffs that Trump says will bring balance to US trade relations, and attacks on transgender people and diversity initiatives.
Here are a few of the main takeaways from Trump’s address, which drew loud cheers from supportive Republicans and protests from some Democrats, pointing to the deep political divisions in the country.
US president warns Hamas that there would be ‘hell to pay’ if Israeli captives in Gaza are not released immediately.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says her government may reach out to Canada, and other countries after US tariffs.
Days after public spat, US president says Ukrainian leader has told him he is ready to come to the negotiating table.
As he reshapes the US government and upends old alliances, Trump says he’s just getting started.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says clash with Donald Trump at White House on Friday was ‘regrettable’.
Arab leaders say the $53bn reconstruction plan would not displace Palestinians from Gaza, unlike Trump’s proposal.
White House official says US is ‘pausing and reviewing aid’ to ensure it is contributing to a solution.
Hamas says Israel’s blockade is ‘collective punishment’ as Netanyahu threatens ‘consequences’ if captives not released.
US president’s reported move comes hours after he accused Ukrainian leader of not wanting peace.
US president reignites criticism of Ukrainian leader, days after berating him in the Oval Office.
Security guarantees are crucial to stop Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, its president says, a pledge the US has rejected.
Ukrainian leader says he will resign if Kyiv is granted membership of NATO.
UK, France and Ukraine agree to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States following Zelenskyy-Trump spat.