Trump Pushes 'America First' Vision in Speech Before Congress

President Trump on Tuesday night gave his first major national address since taking office. He told the nation that the big changes he is making to the US will pay off in the long run. 

"More Americans believe that our country is headed in the right direction than the wrong direction,” Trump said. He received raucous applause from Republicans in the US House chamber. Some Democrats held up signs in protest.   

Trump focused on his first 43 days in office. It has included a wide array of executive orders. And it has also led to major shifts in foreign policy. He offered a strong defense of his “America First” vision for the US. And he said he is “just getting started.”

“We will take in trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before,” Trump proclaimed. He blamed former President Biden for nagging inflation and other problems.   

Trump has clamped down on illegal immigration. He noted that far fewer illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have happened since he took office. He’s given Elon Musk the power to make major cuts to the federal government. That has begun through mass layoffs. Spending on programs like research and foreign aid has also been cut. He’s ended diversity programs. And he's pushed through controversial picks for his cabinet through the Senate. 

Yet experts warn Trump’s plans could hurt the US economy in the short run. Many economists predict the US economy will shrink under Trump’s plan. The taxes he's placed on goods coming into the country are predicted to raise prices on many goods from cars to coffee. Trump argued that such short-term pain is “a little disturbance.” He said his plans will create long-term wealth.   

Reflect: How can a president’s speech to the nation influence the way people feel about their policies?

Photo of President Donald Trump addressing a joint session of Congress from Reuters.