12 Key Insights from Trump’s Inaugural Major Policy Address to Congress

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump concluded his first six weeks in office with a massive 100-minute address to a joint session of Congress.

The address on March 4 followed an aggressive campaign involving over 100 executive actions affecting numerous government facets and U.S. relations globally.

Key points from the speech, which commenced with the declaration “America is back” and wrapped up with a plea to “renew the unlimited promise of the American dream,” are highlighted below.

1. Commitment to Tax Cuts for Every American

Trump committed to implementing tax cuts across the board, targeting personal income, corporate taxes, and cuts for various industries.

In response to the shortfall of the 2017 tax bill, which did not make personal income tax cuts enduring, Trump urged lawmakers to solidify this Congress’s commitment.

He reaffirmed previous campaign promises to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits, and introduced a plan for zero-interest loans on American-made cars.

Trump invited Democratic lawmakers to support the proposed legislation, warning of potential political repercussions if they did not comply.

“I believe you’ll vote for those tax cuts, as the people may not bring you back to office otherwise,” he declared.

He noted that the proposed tax cuts—projected to reach $4.5 trillion over the next decade under the House GOP’s current framework—would be retroactive to January 20, 2025.

2. Border Security and Deportation Actions

Trump emphasized his administration’s initiatives to fortify the border, having signed ten executive orders aimed at ceasing the influx of illegal immigrants and launching nationwide deportation campaigns targeting violent offenders.

“Shortly after taking the oath, I declared a national emergency on the southern border and mobilized the military and border patrol to tackle the invasion, with remarkable results,” Trump stated. “Last month saw the lowest illegal border crossings ever recorded.”

He claimed that his rhetoric played a role in deterring potential illegal migrants.

“They listened to my message and opted not to come,” he claimed.

Additionally, the president highlighted his designation of cartels and transnational gangs as foreign terrorist entities.

3. Announcement of a ‘Common Sense Revolution’

Trump introduced a “common sense revolution,” emphasizing the need to eradicate “woke” ideologies from government and federally-funded initiatives.

He underscored his executive order that cut federal funds for educational institutions allowing males to participate in female sports and reiterated that Title IX is intended for women and not for men who claim to be transgender females.

The first guest introduced by Trump was Payton McNabb, a female athlete who incurred injuries during a volleyball game against a male competitor.

Additionally, Trump mentioned the importance of merit-based hiring over diversity quotas as part of his “common sense revolution.”

4. Clarification on Tariffs: ‘A Minor Disruption’

Trump stated that his trade policies are focused on tariffs intended to promote foreign investment in the U.S. and rectify billion-dollar trade deficits. The initiative aims to generate trillions of dollars for what he termed the “external revenue service.”

“If products are not made in America, there will be tariffs, and for many, substantial fees,” Trump indicated.

A series of tariffs, including a 25% tax on products from Canada and Mexico and an additional 20% on items from China, began on March 4, with reciprocal tariffs set to commence on April 2.

“For decades, other nations have imposed tariffs on us; now, it’s our chance to reciprocate,” Trump explained.

While critics have cautioned that these tariffs could incite inflation, the president dismissed the concern, asserting that any effects would be transitory.

“There may be a minor disruption, but we’re fine with that,” Trump stated. “It won’t be significant.”

5. DOGE Initiatives Recognized

Trump commended Elon Musk’s management of the Department of Government Efficiency, which purportedly saved over $105 billion through contract cancellations, staffing reductions, and efforts to combat fraud and waste.

He listed several multi-million dollar initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that had been terminated, along with a $22 billion plan for housing and vehicles for illegal immigrants.

“We have uncovered hundreds of billions in fraudulent activities,” Trump stated, adding that the Government Accountability Office estimated annual fraudulent payments to be as much as $500 billion.

“By eliminating fraud, waste, and theft, we can defeat inflation, reduces mortgage rates, lower car payments and grocery bills, safeguard our seniors, and put more money back into the hands of American families,” Trump conveyed.

6. Pledge for a Balanced Budget

Trump additionally made a commitment to achieving a balanced federal budget within his second term.

“I aim to attain what hasn’t occurred in nearly 24 years: a balanced budget,” Trump asserted. “We will balance the federal budget.”

A balanced budget has long been an aspiration for many Republicans, although it has not been a focal point for Trump previously.

On February 7, he first hinted at such an idea, posting “Balanced budget!” in capital letters on Truth Social.

To reach this goal, substantial spending cuts or significant revenue increases will be necessary, either from domestic or international sources.

He mentioned the introduction of a “gold card” program allowing foreigners or their employers to pay $5 million for a path to citizenship.

7. Victims Honored

Trump acknowledged various victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants during his speech.

Among them was Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed by a Tren de Aragua gang member in February 2024.

Referring to Riley as “brilliant” and “the top of her class,” Trump highlighted his signing of the Laken Riley Act—the first measure he enacted in his second term, mandating federal detention for illegal immigrants accused of specific offenses.

He then announced the renaming of a 34,000-acre national wildlife refuge near Houston in honor of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was also allegedly murdered by members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

“The tragic death of this beautiful 12-year-old girl and the heartache of her mother and family resonated deeply with our nation,” Trump remarked.

Family members of both victims were present during the address.

8. Direct Outreach to the People of Greenland

Trump made a direct appeal to Greenland residents to consider joining the United States, asserting benefits for them and enhanced security for both regions.

“We fully support your right to choose your own destiny,” Trump stated. “If you desire, we warmly invite you into the United States of America.”

Previously, Trump had proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark, which administers it as an autonomous territory, but the offer was declined.

“We will ensure your safety, enrich you, and together, we will elevate Greenland to new heights,” Trump said.

The president emphasized the island’s significance for national security.

“We are collaborating with all parties involved to secure it, as it is essential for international stability,” Trump noted. “I believe we will acquire it eventually.”

9. Letter from Zelenskyy

Trump shared about a letter he received from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier the same day, suggesting that the note could imply progress towards a mineral deal between the nations.

The letter conveyed Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate to bring lasting peace, according to Trump.

The U.S.–Ukraine minerals agreement disintegrated following a contentious exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy on February 28, and Trump had also frozen all U.S. assistance to Ukraine on March 3.

The letter indicated a willingness from Ukraine to finalize a minerals agreement, proposing that 50 percent of certain natural resource revenues be allocated to reimburse the U.S. for the roughly $175 billion given to support Ukrainian defense.

Trump has persistently advocated for a resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

“I appreciate him sending that letter,” Trump commented. “Concurrently, we have engaged in serious dialogues with Russia and received promising signals for peace. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

10. Newly Established Shipbuilding Office

Trump introduced a new White House Office of Shipbuilding, aimed at rivaling China’s advancements in the shipbuilding industry.

“There was a time we produced numerous ships. We don’t anymore, but we will ramp that up swiftly,” Trump stated. “This initiative will have a significant impact.”

The U.S., once a leader in shipbuilding, has seen its standing diminish significantly, with China now holding over 50% of global orders, according to U.N. data.

Trump asserted that tax incentives would help “revive” the industry, aiming to enhance both commercial and military ship production and bolster national security efforts.

11. Capture of Key Terrorist Linked to Abbey Gate Incident

In a surprising announcement, Trump reported that the principal terrorist behind the Abbey Gate bombing, which resulted in the death of 13 U.S. service members during the Afghanistan withdrawal, is now in custody.

“America is once again steadfast against the threats of radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump proclaimed. “I am pleased to announce that we have apprehended the key terrorist responsible for that horrific event, and he is being brought here to face swift American justice.”

The Abbey Gate explosion was said to have been executed by a suicide bomber affiliated with ISIS who detonated an explosive device at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.

The U.S. officials identified the senior ISIS member based in Afghanistan as Muhammad Sharifullah.

Sharifullah was handed over to U.S. authorities by Pakistan and is being escorted to the U.S. for prosecution, according to Trump.

12. Democratic Response

Members of the Congressional Democrats criticized Trump from both inside and outside the House chamber where he delivered his address. Representative Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out after standing up and shouting during Trump’s speech, later asserting that he was “making it known to the president that he lacks the mandate to cut Medicaid.” Trump has claimed he will not alter Medicaid.

Other Democratic members protested holding signs that read “Save Medicaid” and “Musk Steals,” with some congresswomen donning pink jackets as a visual protest against perceived negative impacts of Trump’s policies on women.

Following Trump’s address, Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) criticized the president’s actions from her home state. “President Trump is attempting to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire allies,” she commented.