Trump addresses US Congress: As it happened

Trump’s televised remarks should not be confused with the annual State of the Union address outlined in the US Constitution. 

The presidents use the State of the Union to list their accomplishments during a previous year in office. Some presidents, including Ronald Reagan, delivered special addresses shortly after taking office to highlight their vision and future policies.

According to Axios, some Democrats have been considering walkouts should Trump say something “objectionable.” Others reportedly discussed bringing protest signs, red cards, hand clappers, as well as eggs or empty egg cartons to highlight how inflation is leading to the increase in the price of eggs.

Trump has entered the chamber for his address and is being greeted by officials present. His supporters are chanting ‘USA!’ and clapping.

Trump begins his speech, declaring: “America is back.”

Trump claims his administration has made swift progress in delivering a new golden age for the US, as he promised on the campaign trail. “The American dream is surging bigger and better than ever before,” he says.

Trump describes his electoral success as giving him a decisive mandate to his agenda. Opponents interrupt his speech by booing, but supporters start chanting ‘USA!’ again. House Speaker Mike Johnson warns people present against any disruptions.

The speaker restores order by having Congressman Al Green of Texas removed from the chamber. Trump continues his speech, describing his signature policy of cracking down on illegal immigration.

Trump invites Democrats to join Republicans in celebrating the improvements that his administration brings to the US.

Trump goes on to describe his executive actions in the first weeks of the presidency, including his decision to disengage from the World Health Organization. Many of them are reversing the policies of his predecessor, Joe Biden, which Trump claims were harmful to the US.

Trump hails his administration’s dismantling of the “tyranny” of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies in the US, including his ban of biological women in women’s sports. “Our country will be woke no longer,” he says.