“My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible future, because the golden age of America has only just begun," the US president said in his first address to a joint session of Congress.
Washington: It was a powerful speech full of passion — viewed by an estimated 36.6 million television viewers — not to mention millions of people who watched Donald Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress online and on various social media platforms.
Trump addressed lawmakers for almost two hours, highlighting the achievements of his administration in the two months of taking office. He spoke at length on the executive actions on immigration, economy, trade, health, education, and law and order.
The US president said the "American dream is unstoppable" and his country was on the verge of a comeback "the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again". 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!"
"Over the past 6 weeks, I have signed nearly 100 Executive Orders and taken more than 400 Executive Actions — a record to restore common sense, safety, optimism and wealth all across our wonderful land. The people elected me to do the job, and I am doing it."
The 78-year-old President said he was "just getting started" on his radical plans to reshape the country. "The American Dream is surging — bigger and better than ever before. The American Dream is unstoppable, and our country is on the verge of a comeback the likes of which the world has never witnessed, and perhaps will never witness again," he said.
Trump also set out his vision on the economy — even as the trade war he launched against Canada, China and Mexico is giving jitters to world markets.
Addressing Congress, Trump wasted no time highlighting his electoral victory, claiming it gave him “a mandate like has not been seen in many decades. His remarks were met with loud cheers and chants of “USA!” from Republicans, while some lawmakers responded with boos. Pointing to his win, Trump described the electoral map as one that “reads almost completely red for Republicans.”
Ukraine to come to negotiating table
President Trump told lawmakers that he is "working tirelessly" to end the Ukraine-Russia war and that he has received strong signals that Moscow wants the same. He read from a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy he had received earlier in the day, saying he was willing to work "under" the leadership of the American President to bring peace.
"I am also working tirelessly to end the savage conflict in Ukraine," the US President said, adding, "Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict, with no end in sight”.
“The United States has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine's defense. Meanwhile, Europe has sadly spent more money buying Russian oil and gas than they have spent on defending Ukraine — by far! And Biden has authorized more money in this fight than Europe has spent."
Trump said that Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer, adding that nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians. "Simultaneously," the American leader said, "We've had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace. Wouldn't that be beautiful?”
