US President Donald Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress began on Tuesday with him hailing his administration, stating it accomplished more in 43 days than most accomplished in four years or eight years.
He began his address with three words "America is back". "Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the ‘dawn of the golden age of America.’ From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era in the history of our country," he said.
Trumpeting his electoral victory, the US president said his win was "a mandate like has not been seen in many decades." His account of counties he flipped was met with boos from Democrats. A shouting match ensued as Republicans chanted "USA".
He also addressed his controversial policy on illegal immigration, stating he had already done much to address the "national emergency" at the US-Mexico border and that the immigrants "heard his words" and chose not to come. "I deployed the US military and border patrol to repel the border invasion of country", he said. Trump also claimed that "illegal crossings last month were by far the lowest recorded - ever".
The President also touched on his decision to withdraw the US from multiple international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organisation, calling it a "time for big dreams and bold action." Trump's list of things he'd ordered to be frozen - including federal hiring and regulations and "all foreign aid" - was met with a standing ovation from Republicans.
He also attacked the Biden administration in his speech and praised himself for ending "weaponised government" where "a sitting president is allowed to viciously prosecute his opponent, like me."
"How did that work out? Not too good," he continued with a smirk.
His statements were met with an ovation from entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was seated with the Republicans. Trump too didn't forget to praise the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Musk. "Thank you very much, we appreciate it. Even this side appreciates, I believe, they just don't want to admit that," he adds, gesturing to Democrats.
Trump continued to attack the Biden administration for inflation and touted reducing the cost of energy as the major focus of the fight. He promised to open up over 100 power plants that were closed by Biden.
"We have more liquid gold under our feet than any nation on earth ... It's called drill baby drill," he told the Congress.
The President promised "tax cuts for everybody", and urged Democrats to vote through those proposed changes. "I'm sure you're going to vote for those tax cuts", Trump says, aiming his comments at the Democrats in the room, "because otherwise I don't think the people will ever vote you in to office". "But I know this group is going to be voting for the tax cuts," he added.