Donald Trump Speech to Congress Live Updates: Trump says Ukraine willing to negotiate, Russia 'ready for peace'

I am working tirelessly to end this savage conflict in Ukraine: Donald Trump

While addressing a joint session of US Congress, President Donald Trump said, "Lots of things are happening in the Middle East...I am working tirelessly to end this savage conflict in Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict with no end in sight...Europe has sadly spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine...we spent perhaps $350 billion...Biden has authorised more money on this fight...earlier today, I received an important letter from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, the letter reads, 'Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer...' I appreciate that he sent this letter...simultaneously, we had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace..."

China on Tuesday vowed to fight “till the bitter end” if the United States continues its trade war, following Washington’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese imports.

Beijing accused the US of using the fentanyl crisis as a “flimsy excuse” to justify the tariff hikes and announced retaliatory measures against American goods. "If the United States... persists in waging a tariff war, a trade war, or any other kind of war, the Chinese side will fight them to the bitter end," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a question from The New York Times.

'Wokeness is trouble, wokeness is bad,' says President Trump in address to US Congress

Donald Trump Speech Live: Democratic lawmaker ejected from US Congress for booing Trump

A US Democratic lawmaker was ejected from a joint session of Congress on Tuesday after he booed and shouted at Donald Trump while the president delivered a prime-time address.

Veteran congressman Al Green of Texas stood up, raised and shook his cane and shouted at Trump, prompting jeers from Republicans across the aisle and leading congressional aides to escort the African-American lawmaker out of the House of Representatives chamber as Trump looked on.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump thanks Pakistan for extraditing wanted terrorist to US

US President Donald Trump thanked Pakistan for helping the US in the arrest of the terrorist responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan during the 2021 withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. He said that US is once again "standing strong against the forces of radical Islamic terrorism."

In his address to the joint session of Congress, Trump recalled the 13 American service members killed during a suicide bombing at the airport in Kabul during the withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, terming the withdrawal under the Biden administration "disastrous and incompetent." He even called it the "most embarrassing moment" in US history.

Trump said, "America is once again standing strong against the forces of radical Islamic terrorism. Three and a half years ago, ISIS terrorists killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate Bombing during the disastrous and incompetent withdrawal from Afghanistan. Not that they were withdrawing, it was the way they withdrew. Perhaps, the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country. 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."

Trump's trade war draws swift retaliation with new tariffs from Mexico, Canada and China

President Donald Trump launched a trade war Tuesday against America’s three largest trading partners, triggering swift retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China. The move sent financial markets tumbling amid fears of rising inflation and business uncertainty.

Shortly after midnight, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, with a reduced 10% levy on Canadian energy. He also doubled tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%.

Beijing responded with up to 15% tariffs on US farm exports and expanded restrictions on American companies.

Addressing Congress that night, Trump offered two justifications for the tariffs—citing trade deficits with Canada and Mexico while also blaming them for allowing fentanyl into the US, which he claimed has led to unprecedented overdose deaths.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump hails 'unstoppable' America in return to Congress

Donald Trump proclaimed Tuesday that the "American dream is unstoppable" in his first address to Congress since a whirlwind return to power that has roiled the nation and the world.

With his close advisor Elon Musk among those in the audience for his prime-time televised address, the 78-year-old Republican billionaire said he was "just getting started" on his radical plans to reshape the country.

The president hailed the achievements of his first six weeks, vowing to press on with his polarizing bid to reshape the US government and end the Ukraine war -- whatever the cost.

"We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years -- and we are just getting started," Trump said to frequent chants from loyal lawmakers of "USA, USA!"

The drama unfolded at Donald Trump's first joint address to Congress on Tuesday, as Democratic lawmaker AI Green interrupted the President, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to remove him from the House chamber.

While removing Green from the House Chamber, Johnson said that he had constantly violated the decorum of the House.

In the video, Trump was heard saying at the beginning of his address, "The presidential election of Nov. 5 was a mandate like has not been seen in many decades." His speech was later interrupted by Green saying, "You have no mandate."

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump gives longest ever US presidential speech to Congress

Donald Trump gave the longest-ever address to a joint session of Congress by any US president on Tuesday, clocking in at more than one hour and 40 minutes.

Republican Trump's speech beat the previous record set by Democratic President Bill Clinton in his State of the Union address in 2000.

President Donald Trump has announced that his administration will impose reciprocal tariffs on April 2, a move he says is necessary to address what he calls unfair trade practices by other countries. Speaking in his first address to a joint session of Congress since returning to the White House, Trump defended the decision as a crucial step to protect American industries and workers.

“This system is not fair to the United States and never was,” Trump said. “Whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them. If they do non-monetary barriers to keep us out of their market, we will do the same.”

Trump says US 'taking back' Panama Canal after ports deal

President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States had started to take back the Panama Canal after a deal by a Hong Kong firm to sell ports to a US-led consortium.

"To further enhance our national security, my administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal, and we've already started doing it," he said in a speech to Congress. "We're taking it back."

'I think we’re going to get it. One way or another, we’re going to get it.': Donald Trump

Trump said the US supports Greenland’s right to determine its own future but would “welcome” the country into the United States for national security — and to make them rich, he claims.

Since his first term in office, Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, a long-time US ally and a founding member of Nato. It is also home to a large US military base.

Democratic Representative Al Green was ejected from the House chamber for heckling US President Donald Trump during his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night.

Just minutes into President Trump's speech was later interrupted by Green saying, "You have no mandate."

Trump's speech nears 90-minute mark

Trump’s address has surpassed 80 minutes, aligning with his campaign speeches, which often exceeded 90 minutes. In contrast, his inaugural address in January lasted about 30 minutes.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Child who overcame cancer sworn in as honorary Secret Service member

More than a dozen Democrats joined Republicans in a standing ovation for DJ, a child with cancer who, according to Trump, dreams of becoming a policeman. DJ’s father lifted him up as Republicans and attendees chanted his name.

Trump announced that DJ would be sworn in by the new Secret Service director and received a badge from Director Sean Curran.

Democrats fell silent as Trump shifted to health policy. Rep. Rashida Tlaib held up a whiteboard reading, “You cut cancer research,” while a Republican shouted, “MAHA baby!”

21 million people entered United States illegally, claims Trump

Trump claimed that 21 million immigrants entered the US illegally during Biden’s presidency, labelling many as dangerous criminals.

The US Border Patrol data shows around 7 million migrant arrests at the US-Mexico border under Biden, though this includes repeat crossers. Studies indicate that immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans.

Trump highlighted cases of women and girls killed by undocumented immigrants, including Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, a recurring theme in his speeches. While he frames his policies as targeting criminals, a January 20 executive order made it easier for ICE to arrest non-criminals.

ICE data shows a 221% rise in arrests of non-criminal immigrants from mid-January to mid-February.

Trump faces 'January 6' chants from Democrats during speech

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, interrupted Trump’s remarks on crime by shouting “January 6th,” prompting at least a dozen Democrats to join the chant as he spoke about cracking down on violent criminals.

Trump has pardoned around 1,500 rioters involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which aimed to overturn the 2020 election results.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump says tariffs to bring 'a little disturbance' to US economy

The United States economy is set to see some "disturbance" from tariffs, President Donald Trump said Tuesday, but he touted levies as a tool that would help domestic industries boom.

"Tariffs are not just about protecting American jobs. They're about protecting the soul of our country," Trump said in his first address to a joint session of Congress since returning to the White House. "There'll be a little disturbance, but we're okay with that. It won't be much."

Donald Trump Speech Live: Both Democrats and Republicans clap for the family of Laken Riley

Riley, a University of Georgia student, was killed by an immigrant in the country illegally. In response, Congress passed and Trump signed a bill bearing her name—his first legislation of his second term.

While Republicans applauded, most Democrats remained seated. After the applause, they raised signs reading “False” in response to Trump’s claims about the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'India charges us tariffs 100%', says US President

While addressing a joint session of US Congress, US President Donald Trump said, " Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades and now it is our turn to start using them against those other countries. On average, the European Union, China, Brazil, India...and countless other nations charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them, it is very unfair. India charges us tariffs 100%...the system is not fair to US, it never was...on April 2, reciprocal tariffs kick in and whatever they tariff us, other countries, we will tariff them...whatever they tax us, we will tax them. If they do non-monetary tariff to keep us out of their market, then we will do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market."

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump promises reciprocal tariffs are coming soon

“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades—now it’s our turn,” Trump said, announcing that reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2 for most US trading partners.

“That’s reciprocal—back and forth. Whatever they tax us, we will tax them,” he said. Trump, who has made similar threats for weeks, added that he delayed the announcement to avoid April Fool’s Day confusion.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump dismisses the African nation of Lesotho

“Eight million dollars to promote LGBTQI+ in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.”

'Days of being ruled by unelected bureaucrats over', Trump says in US Congress

United States President Donald Trump addressed Congress on Wednesday (Tuesday in the US) for the first time since returning to power for his second term. Trump's speech was on the heels of his sweeping decisions on tariffs, immigration, Ukraine and the layoff of federal employees.

Trump recently imposed retaliatory tariffs on rival China and neighbouring nations like Canada and Mexico. In another bold move, the US President paused aid to war-ravaged Ukraine, steering away from the predecessor Biden's policy of backing Kyiv.

The stopping of aid to Ukraine came after an ugly verbal spat between Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office.

Donald Trump vows to restore free speech

Trump pledged to end government censorship and restore free speech in America.

Just hours earlier, he had threatened to jail or deport campus protesters engaged in what he called "illegal protests."

Donald Trump Speech Live: Republican leaders cheer on Elon Musk

Multibillionaire Elon Musk rose to his feet as Trump introduced his department of government efficiency (DOGE). The tech mogul waved as Republicans in the chamber cheered.

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'Our country will be woke no longer'

Trump stated that his administration has moved swiftly to ban diversity and inclusion programs in the federal government and remove employees involved in promoting them.

His actions have spurred private companies and other organizations to scale back similar initiatives. However, they have also faced a series of legal challenges, many of which remain in court.

Donald Trump’s during his first joint address of the Congress sported a dark purple patterned tie and not his usual bold red tie. In politics, purple is often seen as a blend of Republican red and Democratic blue, symbolising bipartisanship and unity, as reported by Wall Street Journal.

The speech itself began with a characteristic show of confidence. “America is back,” Trump declared. He framed his presidency as an era of swift and decisive action, portraying his policies as the key to restoring American strength.

Melania Trump watched from the gallery, joined by other congressmen. Trump's key ally Elon Musk was also present, wearing a blue tie.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Democratic lawmaker ejected from US Congress for booing Trump

A US Democratic lawmaker was removed from a joint session of Congress on Tuesday after interrupting Donald Trump’s prime-time address with boos and shouted remarks.

Veteran Congressman Al Green of Texas stood up, raised his cane, and shouted at Trump, drawing jeers from Republicans. Congressional aides then escorted Green out of the House chamber as Trump looked on.

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'We are just getting started'

"From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to launch the greatest and most successful era in our nation’s history," Trump said, reflecting on his first 43 days in office.

"We are just getting started."

"Our country stands on the brink of a comeback unlike anything the world has ever seen—and perhaps will ever see again."

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'I can't make Democrats happy,' says Donald Trump

"This is my fifth address to Congress, and once again, I look at the Democrats before me and realize there is nothing I can say to make them stand, smile, or applaud," Trump said.

"I could discover a cure for the most devastating disease—one that could wipe out entire nations—and they still wouldn’t clap, stand, or cheer for such monumental achievements. They simply won’t do it, no matter what," he continued. "It’s very sad, and it shouldn’t be this way. So tonight, I ask the Democrats before me—just for one night—why not join us in celebrating so many incredible wins for America?"

Trump Speech Live: Donald Trump slams Joe Biden as 'worst president'

Trump calls Biden the worst president in American history, while Biden has frequently avoided mentioning Trump by name.

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'It's our presidency'

“It’s our presidency,” Trump says—a phrase he has used repeatedly since 2015, reinforcing his bond with supporters.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump's purple tie choice stands out from his usual red

For his joint address to Congress, President Trump has opted for a dark purple patterned tie, a shift from his usual red power tie. In politics, purple symbolizes a blend of the two major parties and the political centre—a position Trump has not typically governed from.

Republicans are chanting 'USA!' again and again

Chants of “USA!” erupt among Republican lawmakers and guests in the House chamber. While GOP members stand in unison, Democrats remain seated.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Democrats silently hold small signs protesting Trump's joint address

The circular black signs, featuring bold white lettering, display messages such as “Protect Veterans,” “Save Medicaid,” and “Musk Steals.” As the president began his remarks, some Democrats raised them higher in protest.

Trump Speech Live: 'America is back,' says Trump

Donald Trump Congress Speech live: Republicans cheer as Trump enters

As President Trump’s entrance is announced, the Republican side of the House chamber rises to their feet, cheering, whistling, and applauding.

Meanwhile, Democrats remain largely still—seated and facing forward as Trump walks in.

Donald Trump Congress Speech live: Trump's Cabinet has entered the House chamber

Secretaries are being greeted by and chatting with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle.

Donald Trump Speech Live: 'Dawn of the Golden Age of America'

Early excerpts released by the White House indicate that Trump will tout his “swift and unrelenting” action on immigration, the economy, and security.

He will open his speech by claiming to have achieved more in six weeks than most administrations do in four or eight years. Trump is also expected to declare this moment the “dawn of the Golden Age of America.”

Donald Trump Speech Live: Blue and yellow, the colours of Ukraine

Some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, are wearing blue and yellow scarves and ties in a show of support for Ukraine.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Trump to push ‘American dream’ in Congress speech amid Ukraine, tariff tensions

President Donald Trump is set to highlight his high-energy start to his second term in an address to Congress , even as his administration’s sweeping use of executive power and major policy shifts on Ukraine and tariffs spark controversy at home and abroad.

Democratic lawmakers plan to bring federal workers affected by extensive job cuts led by Trump’s advisor Elon Musk, who heads the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE). Meanwhile, Republicans are expected to offer vocal support for the president, while Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will host guests reflecting his economic and immigration priorities.

Promising a “big” and unfiltered speech, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he intends to “tell it like it is.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this enthusiasm, telling Fox News that the address will cover his first-term accomplishments, economic agenda, border security efforts, and an in-depth look at foreign policy, including the situations in Ukraine and Gaza.

The speech comes amid renewed global unease following Trump’s latest moves under his “America First” policy.

On Tuesday, new tariffs targeting US allies Mexico and Canada, as well as China, took effect, sparking market volatility. Additionally, Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine just a day before his address, following a heated Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump’s softened stance on Russian President Vladimir Putin and his push to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have raised concerns among US allies, many of whom remain wary of his shifting foreign policy.

On the domestic front, Trump is expected to tout the unprecedented pace of executive actions he has taken since returning to office.

With Musk’s assistance, Trump has moved swiftly to dismantle federal agencies, eliminate diversity programs, and enforce a mass government downsizing, leading to thousands of job losses. He has also introduced tough new immigration policies, including detaining undocumented migrants at Guantanamo Bay.

This marks Trump’s first address to both chambers of Congress in five years—and his first since the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol following his 2020 election defeat. Now, however, he stands before a Republican-controlled Congress, positioning himself as a leader in full command of Washington.

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller hailed Trump’s achievements, calling his administration’s opening weeks "record-setting and unprecedented." He described the address as a chance for Trump to showcase what he claims is the most successful start to any presidency in US history.

Despite his aggressive approach, Trump’s push to consolidate presidential power could set up conflicts with both Congress and the judiciary.

Meanwhile, Democrats have struggled to counter his relentless control of the news cycle. His strategy of overwhelming media attention with frequent press events has left his opponents scrambling to respond.

Yet, with inflation remaining a key concern for American households and stock markets reacting negatively to his tariff policies, Trump faces mounting pressure to address economic challenges. His speech will need to reassure both lawmakers and the public that his policies will not derail financial stability.

As Trump steps to the podium, he will aim to solidify his grip on Washington while navigating the growing domestic and global tensions that define his second term.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Elon Musk takes a seat in Trump’s personal box

From the gallery overlooking the House chamber, Elon Musk takes his seat, dressed in a suit and dark blue tie.

As he shakes hands with those around him, he receives a smattering of applause from fellow guests.

Seated nearby are newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel and members of Trump’s family—Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Lara Trump.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Vice President JD Vance gets warm greeting from House Republicans

Vance enters the House chamber, greeted with enthusiastic handshakes and hugs from fellow Republicans.

Only weeks ago, he had an office in the Capitol as Ohio’s senator. He still visits regularly, helping to steer the president’s nominees through the confirmation process.

Donald Trump Speech Live: Elon Musk joins President Trump on the ride to the Capitol

Billionaire Elon Musk was spotted leaving the White House just moments before Trump, joining the presidential motorcade to the Capitol.