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PRESIDENT Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress for the first time since his return to the White House six weeks ago.
The Republican commander-in-chief, 78, will deliver remarks from the House chambers in a highly anticipated speech that has already drawn the ire of top Democratic leaders.
Trump promised he plans to speak to the country plainly during the address, where he’ll speak to both chambers of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and honored guests starting at 9 pm.
“Tomorrow night will be big. I will tell it like it is,” the president teased on Truth Social on Monday.
The theme of the speech is expected to be “the renewal of the American dream,” officials said,
He’s expected to discuss his recent crackdown on immigration, the new Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk, and the country’s foreign policy.
The speech comes as prices in America continue to rise in light of the trade war with China – and costs might continue to skyrocket due to Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports.
The steep tariffs on America’s three largest trading partners went into effect at 12:01 am on Tuesday, sparking swift retaliation tariffs from Canada and China.
Trump is also under pressure to end the war between Russia and Ukraine after three years of conflict.
Tuesday’s address comes just days after a meeting between Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky spiraled into chaos in front of the world.
Trump publicly scolded Zelensky and warned he’s gambling with World War 3 as reporters from around the world watched the historic spat.
In the fallout of the spat, Trump made a U-turn and paused US aid to Ukraine, meaning the country is left without their supply of billions of dollars’ worth of battle tanks, missiles, and air defense systems.
As tensions continue to rise, leading Dems, including New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and multiple state Senators, have announced they plan to snub Tuesday night’s event.
“I’m not going to the joint address,” AOC wrote on BlueSky, adding that she’ll be posting about it on the platform instead before livestreaming on Instagram later.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy also said he wouldn’t be attending the joint address out of protest, calling it a “farce.”
“I think it’s gonna be a Maga pep rally,” Murphy told CNN.
What will Trump say in his address to Congress?
DONALD Trump will address lawmakers in a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4.
What time will it start? 9pm EST
Where will it take place? The chamber of the US House of Representatives.
Will the speech be broadcast? Major news networks will carry the speech, and there will be a live stream on the Associated Press YouTube channel.
Who will attend: House and Senate lawmakers, members of the Supreme Court, Trump’s cabinet. Trump might also invite guests to watch from the balcony above the House floor
What will Trump say? Trump will lay out his agenda for his second administration. Ukraine, inflation, Gaza, migration are all likely to be topics featuring within the speech.
Who will deliver the Democratic response: Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin. The Democratic response is likely to focus on the economy.
Is Trump’s speech a State of the Union address? No. This is because the speech will take place in the early weeks of Trump’s first term.
“We have to fight every single day, every single day.”
While Democrat leaders won’t be attending the event, First Lady Melania Trump has shared her 15-person guest list for the speech.
The first lady’s guest list includes the family of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed in the attempted assassination of Trump at his rally on July 13, 2024.
Melania has also invited the mother and sister of Laken Riley, a Georgia college student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant while on a run last February.
“These men, women, and families come from all different walks of life with incredible stories about the disaster wrought by the previous administration, and the historic achievements President Trump has already enacted,” the White House said.
Melania Trump’s guest list
The first lady’s guest list includes:
- Corey Comperatore’s family
- Allyson and Lauren Phillips, the mom and sister of Laken Riley
- Stephanie Diller, widow of NYPD officer Jonathan Diller
- Marc Fogel, a teacher recently freed from Russian detention
- Fogel’s mom, Malphine
- Alexis Nungaray, the mom of slain 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray
- Roberto Ortiz, an agent with Customs and Border Protection
- Payton McNabb, former high school athlete
- January Littlejohn, a parents’ rights advocate
- Steelworker Jeff Denard
- Elliston Berry, a 15-year-old victim of deepfake pornography
- Former foster child Haley Ferguson
While Trump gives his speech, he’ll be supported by multiple family members in the audience.
Donald Trump Jr. was seen in the House chambers, along with Ivanka, Tiffany, Lara, and Erik Trump.
Musk was also seen wearing a suit, making a surprising change from his recent casual wear and Maga hats.
Over 100 protestors are on site while Trump prepares to give his speech.
Protestors were seen with posters and shouting as they crowded outside the Capitol building.
Attendees are also protesting Trump in subtler ways as dozens of Democratic lawmakers were seen arriving in the House chamber wearing pink.
