President Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on February 28, 2017.
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President Trump is set to deliver his first address to a joint session of Congress tonight at 9 PM ET, marking a significant moment in his presidency.
Coverage and analysis of Trump’s joint address, along with the Democratic response, will begin simultaneously at 9 PM ET.
Trump’s speech, distinct from a traditional State of the Union address, comes just weeks after he resumed his role in the White House. Since his return, the president has enacted numerous executive orders aimed at significantly reducing the federal workforce, halting diversity and equity initiatives, and curbing illegal immigration—issues expected to dominate tonight’s remarks as he urges Congress to allocate funding for his agenda.
Tom Homan, the administration’s “border czar,” emphasized the need for increased funding: “We require additional resources for detention facilities and operations… ICE is facing significant challenges and we need Congress’s support.”
The upcoming address also coincides with rising tensions with America’s primary trading partners as the U.S. has implemented new tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico, prompting retaliatory measures that may elevate consumer prices.
Additionally, Trump plans to address a potential agreement concerning critical minerals with Ukraine during his speech.
Earlier today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reacted to Trump’s announcement of a pause in military aid to Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine is prepared to finalize a deal. “We view this agreement as a step towards enhanced security and robust security guarantees,” he stated.
This agreement follows a significant meeting last week involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President Vance, which concluded with Zelenskyy’s early departure from the White House.
