Trump airs familiar grievances, charts MAGA plan in address before bitterly divided Congress
Sen. Elissa Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to Trump's address.
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:
- Slotkin encourages concerned Americans not to despair and organize
- Slotkin: Reagan 'rolling in his grave' over Trump's foreign policy approach
- Slotkin slams DOGE, Trump over mass firings of federal workers
- Slotkin criticizes Musk's power in government
- Slotkin starts with economy, says Trump talked a 'big game'
Trump enters to boisterous cheers
Trump is now in the chamber, shaking hands and talking to members as he makes his way to the dais. At times, he's raising his fists in the air, reminiscent of the moment he stood after being shot at a campaign rally last summer.
Musk seen taking video
Musk, who liberally takes to X to post his thoughts, was seen taking video from inside the chambers.
Congress members get ready for the speech
As Congress waited for Trump to arrive at the podium, the mood was divided inside the Capitol.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene was seen with a red hat that says “Trump Was Right About Everything.”
About two dozen Democratic women are wearing pink outfits while several GOP women are wearing red.
There are some fresh faces among the so-called "aisle hogs" that will attempt to greet the president as he enters the chamber.
Republican Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Lauren Boebert, Tim Burchett, Jeff Van Drew, Mary Miller, Diane Harshbarger, Cory Mills, Byron Donalds, Chip Roy and David Joyce were seen in the aisle.
-ABC News' Rachel Scott, John Parkinson and Lauren Peller
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.
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.