Top 5 Moments from Trump’s Address to Joint Session of Congress

President Donald Trump delivered an expansive 90-minute address to both chambers of Congress on Tuesday evening, marking his first such appearance since reclaiming the Oval Office in January. Though unofficially titled, the speech bore all the hallmarks of a State of the Union address as Trump highlighted his accomplishments and laid out his vision for the nation's future.

In what is now the longest address to a joint session of Congress on record, Trump spoke for an hour and 40 minutes, surpassing Bill Clinton's 2000 speech. The president opened with a declaration: “To my fellow citizens, America is back.” It's safe to say he isn't aiming for subtlety here.

Trump boasted that his administration had achieved more in just 43 days than most manage in years. He referenced successes in tackling government inefficiency, securing the border, and previewed his plans for economic growth through tariffs. The room erupted with chants of “USA, USA, USA” as he set a triumphant tone for the evening.

But the night wasn’t without drama. Democratic Texas Representative Al Green was removed by the sergeant-at-arms after repeatedly interrupting Trump’s remarks, ignoring House Speaker Mike Johnson's calls for order. Green, a frequent Trump critic, has already filed impeachment articles against the president, citing alleged “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”

Democratic lawmakers protested throughout the speech, with some holding signs that read “false” and “lies.” Others wore pink suits to denounce what they called anti-woman policies. The tension in the chamber was palpable, underscoring the deep political divisions still gripping the nation.

Trump also took time to honor two young women, Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, who were brutally murdered in 2024 by illegal immigrants. He spotlighted their tragic stories to emphasize his administration’s crackdown on immigration and gang violence. Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, requiring the detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft-related crimes or assaults on police officers. He also designated several violent gangs, including Venezuela’s Tren De Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations. “They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and that’s not good for them,” Trump remarked, a grim yet undeniably Trumpian twist of phrase.

In one of the more uplifting moments, Trump announced the capture of Muhammed Sharifullah, the top suspect behind the 2021 Abbey Gate attack in Afghanistan that killed 13 U.S. service members. He credited the Pakistani government for assisting in the arrest and described an emotional phone call with the victims’ families, who he said were moved to tears by the news.

Finally, a heartwarming story stole the show: DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old cancer survivor, was sworn in as an honorary Secret Service agent. Trump introduced the boy, who dreams of becoming a police officer, and presented him with a custom badge. The audience erupted in applause, though some Democrats notably stayed seated. Trump quipped, “DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all.” It was a rare moment of unity in a highly polarized evening.

From applause to protests, from policy to personal stories, Trump’s address was anything but dull. Whether you loved it or loathed it, it provided plenty to talk about—and, let’s be honest, that’s exactly what he wanted.