Wide Reactions to Donald Trump's Speech in Congress: "A New Golden Age for America Begins"
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's speech before Congress sparked various reactions. In his 100-minute address, Trump asserted that "America is back" and highlighted his agenda, which he described as the beginning of "America's Golden Age."
Key Highlights from Trump's Speech
Trump reaffirmed his commitment to building a superior military force and claimed to have held serious discussions with Russia, which he said signaled a strong willingness for peace. He also declared, "I was saved by God to make America great again. I believe America’s Golden Age has only just begun."
During his speech, Trump proposed eliminating the CHIPS Act, a bipartisan law aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production for economic and national security purposes. He suggested redirecting its funds to pay off the national debt. This statement has raised concerns among lawmakers, particularly Republicans, whose districts have benefited from the act.
Additionally, Trump called for making his tax cuts permanent and proposed a policy allowing interest on American-made car loans to be tax-deductible. He also blamed President Joe Biden for the rising cost of eggs—an issue that has drawn widespread attention from the public.
Tariff Policy and Its Impact
Trump emphasized his tariff policies, stating that American-made products would not face high tariffs. However, he warned of an "adjustment period" where Americans might feel the impact of these policies, urging them to "bear with him," just as they did during his previous trade negotiations with China.
Democratic Party’s Response
Trump's speech triggered mixed reactions among Democrats. Some chose to attend and listen firsthand, while others protested by holding signs or walking out. One of the most notable incidents was the interruption by Texas Congressman Al Green, who was later escorted out. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he was open to censuring Green if the matter was brought to the floor.
Support from the Republican Base
According to a CBS News poll, the majority of speech viewers—who were mostly Republicans—welcomed Trump’s message. They described the speech as "presidential" and "engaging." Issues such as anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, criticism of government waste, and praise for Elon Musk resonated strongly with his supporters.
Nevertheless, inflation and high living costs remain major concerns for Americans. About two-thirds of those surveyed, again predominantly Republicans, felt confident in Trump's plans to address these economic issues, especially with his proposed tariff policies.
Upcoming Challenges: Government Funding and Potential Shutdown
Trump also discussed immigration policies and executive orders he plans to implement. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the government is the looming threat of a shutdown. To prevent this, Speaker Mike Johnson is considering introducing a continuing resolution to extend government funding until the end of the fiscal year. However, this proposal is still under debate among Democrats and Republicans.
Even if House Republicans manage to pass a funding bill, they will still need Democratic support in the Senate for it to take effect. As of now, no concrete agreement has been reached.
Trump’s speech outlined the policy direction he aims to pursue if re-elected. The issues he raised, from economic strategies to foreign policy, have received mixed responses. With growing tensions between Republicans and Democrats over fiscal policies, the future of America’s economic landscape remains uncertain.