Trump’s dizzying first weeks in office have featured a downsizing of the federal government, tensions with America’s allies and a trade war.
Trump admonishes Democrats for not cheering him
“It’s very sad, and it just shouldn’t be this way,” Trump said.
That was him chiding Democratic members of Congress for failing to stand and applaud as the president delivered his speech.
Democrats remained seated as Trump said it, some scowling. Many held up small black signs printed with “False” in white lettering. Every time Trump boasts of his accomplishments, they hold up the signs.
“Lie after lie after lie,” came one shout from the Democratic side of the chamber.
Trump admonishes Democrats for not cheering him
“It’s very sad, and it just shouldn’t be this way,” Trump said.
That was him chiding Democratic members of Congress for failing to stand and applaud as the president delivered his speech.
Democrats remained seated as Trump said it, some scowling. Many held up small black signs printed with “False” in white lettering. Every time Trump boasts of his accomplishments, they hold up the signs.
“Lie after lie after lie,” came one shout from the Democratic side of the chamber.
Trump borrows from Biden
“America is back.”
Trump started his address by taking a line from his predecessor in the White House, Joe Biden.
As president, Biden repeatedly said in speeches that he told world leaders that “America is back.” The former president meant those words as a sign to allies in Europe and Asia that the United States was reengaging with the world. In one noted anecdote, Biden said that one world leader responded to his comment by asking how America would be back. There was a fear among allies, Biden said, that Trump could return.
Now, Trump is using Biden’s line to suggest that his return to the presidency means his vision of America is back.
Democrat Al Green confronts Trump and is removed from House chamber
“The presidential election of Nov. 5 was a mandate like has not been seen in many decades,” Trump said as he began his speech.
“You have no mandate,” Democratic Rep. Al Green countered.
Republicans quickly jumped to their feet with chants of “USA! USA!”
Green was then removed from the House chamber.
Republican members cheered at his removal, shouting “Get out!” and “Goodbye!” at the lawmaker. Green shouted, “You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!” at Trump before police escorted him from the chamber.
Some Democrats silently hold small signs protesting Trump’s joint address
The circular black signs have bold white lettering including the statements “Protect Veterans,” “Save Medicaid,” “False” and “Musk Steals.” Some Democrats held the signs higher as the president began his remarks.
'America is back,' Trump says
Trump has begun his joint congressional address to “USA! USA!” chants and talking about the first 43 days of his administration, which has been marked by a major effort at reshaping and downsizing the federal government led by billionaire Elon Musk, spats with America’s allies and economic uncertainties brought by new tariffs.
Republicans greet Trump with chants of 'USA! USA!'
Republicans were boisterous as Trump stepped to the lectern in the House.
Republican lawmakers were on their feet, chanting “USA! USA!” as President Donald Trump basks in the applause.
The GOP lawmakers are jubilant, having won a trifecta of the White House, Senate and House in the elections. However, they also face a high-stakes task of delivering on Trump’s agenda as well as avoiding a government shutdown later this month.
A mostly present Democratic caucus
Despite some notable absences, the Democratic side of the House chamber is largely packed ahead of Trump’s address.
Some Democrats chose to boycott the speech, including Reps. Becca Balint of Vermont, Don Beyer and Gerry Connelly of Virginia, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., also chose not to attend.
Republicans erupt in applause, Democrats don’t move as Trump enters
The Republican side of the House chamber was on their feet, whistling and applauding as Trump’s entrance was announced.
The Democrats, meanwhile, were practically motionless. They were seated and mostly faced forward as Trump entered.
