Trump’s speech in Congress: main statements and what he said about Ukraine

5 March 09:56

In his nearly two-hour speech to the US Congress, which began on the night of March 5, Kyiv time, Donald Trump touched on a wide range of topics, including the economy, immigration policy, and international relations. Contrary to expectations, he mentioned the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war only at the end of his speech. "Komersant Ukrainian" has compiled the most important theses from the speech of the head of the American nation.

The 100-minute speech was the longest address to Congress in modern US history, according to The American Presidency Project.

Trump’s speech was emotional and full of political promises. The speech was interrupted by applause, cheers, and jumping up from the Republican seats. Democrats sat and did not applaud.

Trump on the war in Ukraine and negotiations with Russia

The US president said he had received a letter from Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which the Ukrainian leader allegedly expressed his readiness to negotiate with Russia:

“Today I received an important letter from President Zelensky that Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table to bring a lasting peace. I appreciate him sending this letter,” Trump said.

He also said that the United States had “serious conversations” with the Russian side and received “signals” of readiness for peace:

“We’ve received serious signals that the Russians are ready for peace… isn’t that great?”

At the same time, Trump did not specify any details of what exactly he meant by “peace talks” and under what conditions they could take place.

In addition, he recalled the large amounts of US financial assistance to Ukraine and rhetorically asked the congressmen:

“We have sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defense. Do you want this to continue for another five years?”

This statement caused a mixed reaction in the hall.

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Domestic policy: a course for a “golden era”

In his speech, Trump positioned himself as a leader who is leading the country to revival:

“America is back! The dawn of a golden era begins!”

His speech was repeatedly interrupted by applause, especially when he stated:

“We are at the beginning of a comeback the world has never seen before!”

“For the first time in history, a majority of Americans believe we are going in the right direction!”

Social reforms

Among other statements by Trump, the following items resonated:

Recognizing English as the only official language of the United States.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the American Gulf.
Elimination of diversity and equality policies in the public sector.
Recognizing only two genders – male and female.

These statements have been criticized by Democrats, who consider them an attack on democratic values and minority rights.

Economy and energy

Trump criticized the previous administration for high inflation and promised to fix the situation:

“Biden let egg prices get out of control. We are working on it.”

He also declared a state of emergency in the energy sector and called for an increase in mineral production in the United States.

Trump’s key statements in Congress

In addition to the war in Ukraine, Trump focused on US domestic policy, international trade, and defense.

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Among his main statements:

Control of the Panama Canal

Trump said the US would soon regain control of the Panama Canal, emphasizing:

“This canal was built by American hands, with American money, and it should belong to America. We have already started working on regaining control of it, and believe me, it will happen very quickly.”

Greenland may become part of the United States

In an address to the people of Greenland, he said:

“We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together we will take Greenland to heights you have never thought possible.”

Increase in duties on imported goods

The US President said that China, India and the EU should prepare for new duties that will come into effect on April 2:

“Other countries have been using tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn to start using them against these other countries.”

During this statement, many Republicans remained seated, indicating how Trump’s tariffs have divided his party.

Death penalty for killing police officers

Trump said that he had signed an executive order implementing the death penalty for criminals who kill law enforcement officers.

Trump praises Musk

Trump praised billionaire businessman Elon Musk and his Office of Government Performance, which has laid off more than 100,000 federal workers, cut billions of dollars in foreign aid, and closed entire agencies.

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The president credited Musk with uncovering “hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud,” far exceeding what the administration has claimed so far. Musk, who sat in the gallery, received a standing ovation from Republicans.

Mining in the United States

The president said he is planning a “historic action” to increase rare earths production

“We cannot depend on other countries for strategic resources. Starting this week, we are launching the largest mining program in U.S. history.”

Golden Dome advanced missile defense system

Trump called on Congress to fund the creation of a new missile defense system:

“Israel has Iron Dome, and America will have Golden Dome, the best missile defense system in the world that will protect our cities from any threat.”

Mass deportation of illegal migrants

The President reaffirmed his intention to conduct the largest deportation operation in US history:

“We will restore order in our country. Illegal immigration will be stopped, and those who have violated our laws will be returned to where they came from.”

Mission to Mars

Trump also promised to expand the US space program:

“We will plant the American flag on Mars. And then – even further! This is our national mission.”

Some of these statements were received with enthusiasm by Republicans, while Democrats openly protested.

Incident during Trump’s speech

Trump’s speech was not without scandal. Some Democratic congressmen tried to disrupt his speech by protesting certain statements and were warned.

In particular, Democratic Party representative Al Green was loudly indignant and was removed from the hall for disorderly conduct.

Unlike his predecessor, President Joe Biden, who sought a dialogue with Republicans, Trump did not seek to enlist the support of Democrats for his program.

Instead, he mostly mocked them during his speech as if he were still a candidate on the campaign trail.

In response, several Democrats either turned their backs on Trump or walked out of the room.