Trump airs familiar grievances, charts MAGA plan in address before bitterly divided Congress

Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to Trump's address.

Last Updated: March 5, 2025, 12:09 AM EST

President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, six weeks into his historic return to the White House.

During the speech, Trump said "America is back" and defended the tariffs on key U.S. trading partners. He touched on immigration and the mineral deal with Ukraine, but neglected to go into detail on his economic plan. The speech was also met with protests and disruptions from Democrats.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:08 PM EST

Cabinet members file in

Trump's Cabinet members file into the chamber, shaking hands with members.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem were among the first to make their way in.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his wife Jennifer Rauchet arrive for President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025.
Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images

Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, entered right behind first lady Melania Trump.

Many members of the Cabinet faced extremely close confirmation votes.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:05 PM EST

Melania Trump receives standing applause

First lady Melania Trump has entered the chamber to a standing ovation. Her guests tonight include freed American Marc Fogel, the family of Corey Comperatore and the mother of Laken Riley.

First Lady Melania Trump arrives prior to US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, Mar. 4, 2025.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Mar 04, 2025, 9:04 PM EST

FBI director arrives

In a rare move, the FBI director is in attendance at the president's speech tonight.

Director Kash Patel has arrived to the House chamber.

FBI Director Kash Patel arrives for US President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 4, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC News' Pierre Thomas

Mar 04, 2025, 9:02 PM EST

Members of Congress wear blue and yellow for Ukraine

In support of Ukraine, members of Congress sport blue and yellow attire, including ties and scarves.

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