"Transcript of President Donald Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress" Key Points.

 

1. Common Sense Revolution: A global shift toward common sense policies is sweeping the world, and this change is irreversible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of never allowing things to go back to the way they were.

2. Economic Priorities: A major priority is rescuing the economy and providing relief to working families, reversing the economic damage inherited from the previous administration, including inflation and high living costs.

3. Inflation and Energy Costs: The previous administration's policies caused high inflation and energy prices. The speaker is focusing on reducing energy costs by expanding oil and gas production and reopening power plants.

4. National Energy Emergency: A declaration of a national energy emergency was made on the first day in office, with a focus on tapping into the nation’s vast natural resources, including a massive gas pipeline project in Alaska.

5. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): A new department has been created, led by Elon Musk, to address government waste and inefficiency, targeting billions in unnecessary spending on foreign and domestic projects.

6. Eliminating Wasteful Spending: Examples of wasteful spending identified include $22 billion for housing and cars for illegal aliens, $45 million for scholarships in Burma, and millions for unrelated international projects.

7. Reducing Government Fraud: The administration is focused on reducing fraud, including fraudulent Social Security claims, where millions of payments are listed to people who are far beyond realistic ages.

8. Social Security Incompetence: Shockingly high numbers of Social Security recipients are listed at impossibly old ages, and efforts are underway to stop fraudulent payments and protect the system.

9. Debt Reduction and Accountability: Hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud are being recovered, with the goal of reducing the national debt and addressing systemic inefficiencies.

10. Interest Rates Drop: A recent decrease in interest rates is celebrated as a positive step forward.

11. Balancing the Federal Budget: Plans are in place to balance the federal budget for the first time in 24 years.

12. Gold Card for U.S. Citizenship: A new "Gold Card" will soon be available for $5 million, allowing successful job creators from around the world to obtain U.S. citizenship. These individuals will have to pay taxes in the U.S. and help create jobs while also funding the education of talented people to stay in the country.

13. Focus on Legal Immigration: The plan contrasts the "Gold Card" initiative with the current open-border policies under the Biden administration, emphasizing the removal of criminals and bringing in job-creating individuals to help reduce national debt.

14. Reforming the Federal Bureaucracy: There is a strong push to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy, which is seen as stifling freedom and innovation. The speaker calls for removing any bureaucrats who resist this change.

15. Tax Cuts for All: A major part of the plan involves passing tax cuts for everyone, including permanent income tax cuts, no taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits for seniors, and making interest payments on car loans tax-deductible for American-made cars.

16. Growth in the Auto Industry: There is an emphasis on reviving the U.S. auto industry, with new plants being opened by companies like Honda. The administration aims to encourage domestic production and will implement tariffs on foreign products that don’t meet U.S. production standards.

17. Reciprocal Tariffs: Starting April 2nd, reciprocal tariffs will be implemented, where the U.S. will impose tariffs on countries that charge higher tariffs on American goods. This is part of a broader strategy to correct unfair trade practices and protect U.S. industries.

18. Addressing Unfair Tariff Practices: The administration will retaliate against countries with unfair tariffs, such as India, China, and South Korea, who impose much higher tariffs on U.S. products than the U.S. imposes on them.

19. Subsidies to Canada and Mexico: The speaker criticizes the subsidies given to Canada and Mexico, especially in light of the fentanyl crisis, and declares that such subsidies will no longer be provided.

20. Fentanyl Crisis: The issue of fentanyl entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada is highlighted, with a call for stronger action to stop its flow, which has caused significant harm to families and communities in the U.S.

21. Ending Unfair Trade Practices: The administration vows to end unfair trade practices that have allowed other countries to benefit at the expense of the U.S. for decades, focusing on creating more jobs and reducing trade deficits.

22.  $1.7 Trillion Investment: Under America's "America First" policies, $1.7 trillion of new investments have been made in the U.S. recently, including significant contributions from SoftBank ($200 billion), OpenAI and Oracle ($500 billion), Apple ($500 billion), and Taiwan Semiconductor ($165 billion).

23. CHIPS Act Criticism: The speaker criticizes the CHIPS Act, claiming it wastes billions without significant results, and argues for eliminating it to reduce national debt.

24. Support for American Farmers: A new trade policy will benefit American farmers by imposing tariffs on agricultural imports and offering protection against goods that could harm local agriculture.

25. Tariffs on Key Industries: A 25% tariff has been imposed on foreign aluminum, copper, lumber, and steel to protect U.S. industries critical to national security, including the military.

26. Border Security: Strong criticism of Joe Biden’s open border policies, leading to the infiltration of dangerous individuals and criminals into the U.S. A new law (Laken Riley Act) mandates the detention of criminal aliens.

27. Murders by Illegal Immigrants: The deaths of individuals like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, allegedly at the hands of illegal immigrants, are highlighted as examples of the dangers of weak immigration policies.

28. Criminal Cartels: The Mexican cartels, along with gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, are designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. will work on eliminating cartel operations, and Mexico is encouraged to do more to stop fentanyl trafficking.

29. Support for Law Enforcement: Emphasis on restoring law and order, including new crime policies, mandatory death penalties for killing police officers, and greater protections for law enforcement.

30. Child Protection and Health: The speaker focuses on the protection of children, including addressing child cancer rates, combating toxic ideologies in schools, and opposing the sexual mutilation of minors.

31. Military Strength: The U.S. military is recovering from past recruitment challenges, with the Army having its best recruitment month in 15 years and all services showing strong results.

32. Wokeness in Schools and Military: Criticism of "wokeness" in schools and the military, with a strong stance against indoctrination in education and a commitment to reestablishing the military’s traditional mission.

33. Introduction of Jason Hartley:

    • Jason Hartley is a young man with a deep family legacy of service. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all wore the uniform.
    • Jason tragically lost his father, a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, at a young age.
    • Jason is a senior in high school, a six-letter varsity athlete, and a brilliant student with a 4.46 GPA.
    • His greatest dream is to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
    • His application has been accepted, and he will soon join the Corps of Cadets.

34. U.S. Military Focus:

    • The President is focused on building the most powerful military for the future.
    • A proposal for funding a state-of-the-art missile defense shield (the “golden dome”) to protect the U.S. homeland.
    • The technology is now available, unlike during Ronald Reagan’s time, and other countries like Israel have it.
    • The goal is to protect U.S. citizens from potential threats.

35. Reviving American Shipbuilding Industry:

    • The President announces a plan to revive the American shipbuilding industry, including both commercial and military shipbuilding.
    • A new office of shipbuilding will be created in the White House, with special tax incentives to bring the industry back to America.
    • This initiative aims to quickly ramp up ship production in the U.S.

36. Reclaiming the Panama Canal:

    • The President’s administration will work on reclaiming control over the Panama Canal.
    • A large American company has already started buying ports around the Panama Canal.
    • The Panama Canal was originally built by Americans at great cost in terms of lives and resources.
    • The agreement made by the Carter administration to give it to Panama for $1 is seen as violated, and the President aims to take it back, not giving it to China but to Panama.

37. Marco Rubio’s Role:

    • Marco Rubio is in charge of overseeing the Panama Canal reclamation efforts.
    • The President praises Rubio, highlighting his strong support and approval.
    • Rubio is described as a respected individual, and the President is confident in his success.

38. Message to Greenland:

• The President expresses strong support for Greenland’s right to determine its future.
• If Greenland chooses, the U.S. welcomes it into the United States of America.

1. Greenland's Importance for National Security:

   • Greenland is vital for both national and international security, and the U.S. is working to gain control over it.
   • Greenland is crucial for military security due to its large landmass and strategic position.
   • The President promises to make Greenland prosperous and secure.

2. U.S. Stance Against Radical Islamic Terrorism:

   • The U.S. is standing strong against radical Islamic terrorism.
   • A recent apprehension of a top terrorist responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
   • The President thanks Pakistan for its assistance in capturing this terrorist, who will face justice.

3. Recognition of Families Affected by Abbey Gate Bombing:

   • The President expresses condolences to the families of the 13 American service members killed in the bombing, as well as the 42 people injured.
   • The families were deeply moved by the capture of the terrorist and are grateful for the justice.

4. Middle East and Hostage Returns:

   • The U.S. is working to bring back hostages from Gaza.
   • The President reflects on the success of the Abraham Accords and intends to build on it for a more peaceful and prosperous future in the region.
   • Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there are significant developments in the Middle East.

5. Efforts to End the Ukraine Conflict:

   • The President is working to bring an end to the brutal conflict in Ukraine, with many lives lost on both sides.
   • The U.S. has sent significant financial aid to Ukraine, but the President questions whether the war should continue.
   • Europe has spent more on Russian oil and gas than on defending Ukraine, which is concerning.

6. President Zelenskyy’s Letter:

   • President Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed his readiness for peace talks and acknowledged the U.S.'s efforts in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
   • The President also shares that Russia has shown signals of being ready for peace negotiations.
   • The President advocates for ending the war and engaging both sides in dialogue.

7. Mark Fogel’s Return from Russia:

   • Mark Fogel, a U.S. history teacher detained in Russia, was sentenced to 14 years at a penal colony under the previous administration.
   • The President promised Fogel’s 95-year-old mother that he would bring her son back, and within 22 days in office, he succeeded.
   • Mark Fogel and his mother are now safely in the U.S.

8. Shooting Incident During a Rally:

• During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the President narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a shooter fired at the crowd.
• Corey Comperatore, a firefighter, veteran, and protector, shielded his family from the bullets and sacrificed his life to save them.
• Corey’s wife, Helen, and their daughters, Allison and Kaylee, are present, and the President honors Corey’s bravery and sacrifice.

1. Tribute to Corey Comperatore and His Family:

   • Corey Comperatore, a hero who sacrificed his life to protect his family, is remembered.
   • The President assures Corey’s wife, Helen, and daughters, Allison and Kaylee, that Corey is looking down on them with pride.
   • Corey’s selflessness and love are celebrated as qualities that built America and will continue to make it stronger.

2. The President’s Belief in Divine Purpose:

   • The President expresses his belief that his life was saved for a higher purpose: to make America great again.

3. Historical Reflection on American Strength:

   • The President recalls the bravery and sacrifices of past Americans from pivotal moments in history, including Lexington and Concord, Gettysburg, Normandy, and more.
   • Americans have always defied odds, transcended dangers, and made extraordinary sacrifices to protect freedom.

4. Resilience of the American People:

   • Despite efforts to silence and break the nation, the American spirit remains strong.
   • Americans are described as a proud, free, sovereign nation, determined to defend their freedom at all costs.

5. Legacy of American Pioneers:

   • The President honors the generations of Americans who built the country through hard work, determination, and sacrifice.
   • From building the railroads to fighting fascism, Americans have created modern marvels and shaped the world.

6. Call to Action for the Future:

   • The President urges the nation to continue the work of American pioneers and take up the cause of liberty.
   • A call to action is made to lead the country into a new era of greatness, where the nation’s destiny will be shaped by its citizens.

7. Vision for the Future:

   • The President outlines a bold vision for America’s future: a prosperous, safe, and healthy nation that will lead in science, space exploration, and innovation.
   • America will plant its flag on Mars and continue to break new frontiers, renewing the promise of the American dream.

8. Renewal of American Spirit:

   • Emphasizing the power of the American spirit, the President promises to fight every day for the future the American people deserve.
   • The speech concludes with optimism for the future, describing the "Golden Age of America" as just beginning, with unprecedented opportunities ahead.

9. Closing Blessings:

• The President ends with a call for God's blessing on the country and its citizens, reinforcing the hope for a bright and prosperous future for America.

Source:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-speech-congress-transcript-751b5891a3265ff1e5c1409c391fef7c