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

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

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Emily Chang, and Julia Reinstein
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.

Key headlines:

Here's how the news developed:
Mar 04, 2025, 9:49 PM EST

Democrats hold up signs as speech continues

Democrats are continuing to hold up signs that say “False” as Trump's speech carries on.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib has a white board that reads, “That’s a Lie”

Other signs saying "Musk Steals," "Save Medicaid," and "Protect Veterans" were organized by the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which is chaired by Congressman Greg Casar.

Rep. Al Green (D-TX) shouts out as U.S. President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

According to a source familiar with the group’s thinking, the goal of the signs was to prevent Trump from shifting the focus away from the key issues they think are breaking through to Americans: his and Musks’ theft of health care and benefits for veterans.

-- ABC News' Lauren Peller

Mar 04, 2025, 9:47 PM EST

Trump touts ban on transgender athletes

Trump touted his executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports.

Attending the speech was Peyton McNabb, who Trump said was a former high school athlete.

President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress in front of Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance at the U.S. Capitol, Mar. 4, 2025 in Washington.
Win McNamee/Pool via Reuters

"But when her girls' volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Peyton's face, causing a traumatic brain injury, partially paralyzing her right side and ending her athletic career," Trump said.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:45 PM EST

Trump says he will expand production of minerals and rare earths

“And later this week, I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA,” Trump said, though he did not mention any particular deal or plan.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:44 PM EST

Trump touts DOGE, calls out Musk by name

As Trump turned to talking about the Department of Government Efficiency, the camera panned to Elon Musk standing in the House gallery. Trump then called him out by name and praised his work so far. Republicans gave Musk a hefty round of applause.

As Trump turned to talking about the Department of Government Efficiency, the camera panned to Elon Musk standing in the House gallery. Trump then called him out by name and praised his work so far.
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Trump touts DOGE, calls out Musk by nameAs Trump turned to talking about the Department of Government Efficiency, the camera panned to Elon Musk standing in the House gallery. Trump then called him out by name and praised his work so far.
ABCNews.com

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