President Donald Trump began his speech Tuesday evening before a joint session of Congress.
“For my fellow citizens, America is back,” Trump declared after thanking Congress members and first lady Melania Trump.
“Six weeks ago, I stood under the dome of this Capitol building and declared the dawn of America's golden age,” he said. “From that moment on, it was nothing but quick and relentless action that led to the biggest and most successful era in our country's history. We achieved more in 43 days than most governments achieved in four or eight years.
The audience heard the president's opening remarks recite “America, America, America.”
Trump arrived on the podium shortly after 9:15pm ET on Tuesday, where he was greeted with cheers from conservative lawmakers, but the Democrats remained overwhelmingly seated.
The speech is the first to show Trump before Congress since returning to the oval office in January. The speech is similar to the state of the Union, but does not list the same official titles that Trump had not taken office in the past year.
Trump brings his first speech of his second term to a joint session of Congress
Lawmakers will arrive at a joint session of the Congressional session of Rep. House of Representatives in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025. Donald Trump's Primetime Address for Donald Trump is a Primetime Address from Capitol Hill from Capitol Hill, which was billed as the Chronicle of “Update the American Dream.” agenda. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The White House previously told Fox News Digital that “Updating the American Dream” was the theme of the speech and would feature four major sections. What the Trump administration did for the economy. The president has made new pushes for Congress to pass additional funds for border security. And the president's plan for peace around the world.
“He's Back”: Trump's Joint Speech to Congress covered in six-figure ads
WASHINGTON, DC-March 4: Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, Judge Elena Kagan, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, Judge Amy Connie Barrett and retired Judge Anthony Kennedy will be attending a joint US Congress meeting held at the US Capitol on March 4, 2025 in Washington, DC. Get McNamee/Pool via Reuters
Trump aims to continue unprecedented levels of action, and will take office in the seventh week to address Congress
Trump did not take part in preparing for the formal speech – such as teaching him about how to gestures within the address – but he was involved in the speech editing process, Peter Doocy of Fox News reported before the address.
The first lady of US Melania Trump will respond to the speech day at the US Capitol Building in Washington, DC on March 4, 2025 at the US Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on the day of US President Trump's speech at the Congressional joint meeting. March 4th, 2025.
Several Democrats previewed a boycott of Trump's speech on Tuesday. D-Conn. Senator Chris Murphy also skipped attendees and instead held a live show before the speech.
South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace and US Vice President JD Vance will speak as they arrive at the Congressional Joint Congress meeting at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. He was elected to tackle inflation and improve the economy, and is beginning to weigh the impact of his agenda. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images (Aldrago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The theme of Trump's speech to Congress has been revealed
Democrats who participated in the speech were seen wearing pink in protest against Trump and his policies.
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Brooke Singman and Andrew Mark Miller of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
