There was a lot of information to unpack after Tuesday night’s address to both chambers of Congress by President Donald Trump.
Just a few months into his second administration, the president spoke of a multitude of subjects ranging from saying “America is back,” honoring a 13-year-old cancer survivor and taking a jab at “Pocahontas.”
IJR narrowed down the top moments of the evening.
Democratic Representative Removed From Event
There are always varying voices at State of the Union-like speeches. However, Tuesday’s included the removal of a Democratic representative.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) ordered the sergeant at arms to remove Democratic Rep. Al Green (R-Texas) after he shouted repeatedly during Trump’s opening remarks.
“Members are engaging in willful and continuing breach of decorum, and the chair is prepared to direct the sergeant at arms to restore order to the joint session,” Johnson said to the Democrats who were disrupting Trump.
“Mr. Green, take your seat,” he added as Green failed to take heed.
Green is an outspoken Trump critic and has filed for Trump’s impeachment over the “ethnic cleansing in Gaza.”
Other Democrats continued to protest by staying seated as Trump touted his policies. Some held up signs that read “false,” “lies,” “Musk steals” and “Save Medicaid.”
Pink was the color of choice for some female Democratic lawmakers. They wore pink suits to protest of policies they state are anti-woman.
Trump started his hour and 40 minutes speech with the words, “To my fellow citizens, America is back.”
Trump Declares ‘America is Back’
The speech was the longest address a president ever delivered before a joint session of Congress, per Fox News.
Trump ramped up the audience by listing what he has accomplished in his more than 40 days in his second term.
“Six weeks ago, I stood beneath the dome of this Capitol and proclaimed the dawn of the golden Age of America,” he said. “From that moment on, it has been nothing but swift and unrelenting action to usher in the greatest and most successful era in the history of our country. We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years. And we are just getting started.”
The audience replied with “USA, USA, USA!”
Trump lauded the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency’s work to stop government overspending, fraud and mismanagement. He added his new tariffs will lead to an economic “boom” for the U.S..
“Every single day, we will stand up and we will fight, fight, fight for the country our citizens believe in and for the country people deserve,” Trump said as he ended his speech. “My fellow Americans, get ready for an Incredible future, because the golden age of America has only just begun. It will be like nothing that has ever been seen before. Thank you. God bless you and God bless America.”
Cancer Survivor Becomes Honorary Secret Service Agent
It’s not everyday a 13-year-old cancer survivor becomes an honorary Secret Service agent, but that is exactly happened Tuesday night.
Trump introduced DJ Daniel and officially swore him in as an honorary member of the Secret Service.
“Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police,” Trump said. “His name is DJ Daniel is 13 years old, and he has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But in 2018, D.J. was diagnosed with brain cancer. The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago.”
Daniel received a standing ovation from most of the crowd, while some Democrats sat at times as Trump spoke about the 13-year-old.
Trump told the audience that Daniel and his dad were on a “quest” for him to realize his dream — to become a police officer.
“Tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all,” Trump said. “I am asking our new Secret Service Director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States.”
Curran then walked over to Daniel and gave him with a customized Secret Service badge.
“Thank you, DJ,” Trump said. The audience chanted the young boy’s name.
Trump Resurrects “Pocahontas”
Trump continued his mocking of Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) by calling her “Pocahontas,” The New York Post reported.
Trump taunted Democrats for their continued support of Ukraine. Warren started to clap as she was lambasted by Trump.
“The United States has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defense,” Trump said during his address. His remark drew rare claps from Democrats.
“You want to keep it going for another five years,” Trump said, adding, “Pocahontas says yes.”
Trump has called Warren “Pocahontas” for years. This is in reference to her claims of being partial Native American.
Trump Hints at Possible Peace with Ukraine
After a few tense days between the U.S. and Ukraine, Trump hinted at a detente of sorts, per The Hill.
The president said he had received a letter — which he pegged as “important” — from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The letter’s content included Ukraine’s willingness to move forward peacefully.
Trump said there has been “serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”
“Wouldn’t that be beautiful?” he said.
Trump has halted military aid to Ukraine, much to the dismay of European countries.
