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, 9:22 PM EST

Trump shakes hands with Vance and Johnson

As President Donald Trump stepped up to the podium, he shook hands with Vice President J.D. Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:18 PM EST

Chamber rings with 'USA' chant

With loud cheers and applause, chants of "USA" are heard throughout the chamber as Trump makes his way to the dais.

Mar 04, 2025, 9:15 PM EST

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.

President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress, which comes after markets tumbled on the first day of implementing steep tariffs on key U.S. trading partners.
4:27
Trump enters the House Chamber to address a joint session of CongressPresident Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress, which comes after markets tumbled on the first day of implementing steep tariffs on key U.S. trading partners.
ABCNews.com

Mar 04, 2025, 9:13 PM EST

Musk seen taking video

Musk, who liberally takes to X to post his thoughts, was seen taking video from inside the chambers.

White House Senior Advisor to the President, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk takes a picture ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Mar. 4, 2025 in Washington.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Sponsored Content by Taboola