By Joke Kujenya
SWEEPING CALLS for action on border security, immigration, and economic recovery took centre stage as President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday.
Declaring that “America is back,” Trump laid out his administration’s major accomplishments in the past six weeks while vowing to curb illegal immigration and drive down inflation.
The speech took a dramatic turn as Trump announced the capture of a top terrorist responsible for a deadly attack on U.S. troops.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” he said.
While the statement drew applause from Republican lawmakers, it was met with open hostility from some Democrats, leading to disruptions in the chamber.
Representative Al Green, D-Texas, was forcibly removed after shouting and waving his cane at the president.
Trump swiftly moved on, reaffirming his commitment to border security.
He urged Congress to approve a funding package for a mass deportation operation and the continuation of the southern border wall.
“The cartels are waging a war on America, and it’s time for America to wage a war on the cartels, which we are doing,” he declared.
He also unveiled a proposal for a “gold card” citizenship scheme, allowing wealthy individuals to buy U.S. citizenship for $5 million, adding, “It’s like the green card, but better and more sophisticated.”
On the economy
Trump blamed the immediate past Joe Biden administration for soaring prices, particularly on basic commodities like eggs, which he said had reached “out of control” levels.
He pledged immediate relief for working families, citing tariffs imposed on Mexican, Canadian, and Chinese goods as necessary steps to protect American industries.
In response, Canada and Mexico announced retaliatory tariffs, raising tensions in North American trade relations.
For Peace in Ukraine
The president also touched on foreign policy, revealing that Ukraine is ready to resume peace negotiations with Russia and sign a minerals deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a post on X earlier Tuesday, confirmed his country’s willingness to negotiate, stating, “It is time to make things right.”
Trump further announced a “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, modelled after Israel’s Iron Dome, aimed at strengthening U.S. air defense capabilities.
The speech was attended by key figures, including Trump’s border czar Tom Homan, former ICE director, and Noa Argamani, a survivor of Hamas captivity. Hockey legends Buzz Schneider and Rob McClanahan were also present.
Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz, and Patty Murray, opted out of attending, while freshman Senator Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., was scheduled to deliver the official Democratic response.
Expectedly, the speech received mixed reactions across party lines.
While a CBS poll showed 76% approval among Americans, a CNN survey found that 69% of respondents viewed it positively.
Trump, however, remained defiant, closing his address with a bold promise: “This will be our greatest era.”
Well done President Trump sir👍, you’re doing a good job.