In the State of the Union address, Trump declared ‘America is back’ in a speech that drew both applause and protests.
Photo Credit: The White House / Flickr
By Wesley Liu
Last night, March 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump addressed Congress in his first State of the Union address in his second term as president. President Trump delivered a lengthy, impassioned speech before a joint session of Congress. At 1 hour and 40 minutes, the speech surpassed the previous record set by former President Bill Clinton’s 1 hour and 28 minute long 2000 State of the Union address.
“To my fellow citizens, America is back,” Trump declared as he opened his speech, eliciting loud cheers and chants of “USA, USA, USA” from supporters in the chamber.
Trump celebrated what he called the “dawn of the golden Age of America,” and highlighted his administration’s rapid policy implementations. “We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years. And we are just getting started,” he said.
Trump’s address did not come without disruption. Tensions flared when Democratic Rep. Al Green (TX-9) repeatedly disrupted the president’s speech and after a warning, was ordered to be removed by the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
“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 warned. Green, an outspoken critic of Trump, refused to yield and continued shouting, “You don’t have a mandate!” while shaking his cane. Green later clarified that Trump had no mandate to cut Medicaid.
Other Democratic lawmakers also engaged in protest throughout the speech, holding up signs with messages such as “false,” “lies,” and “Save Medicaid.” Some female lawmakers wore pink suits in opposition to some of Trump’s policies that they viewed as negatively impacting women and families.
Trump honored the lives of multiple individuals during his speech, including Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, both of whom were killed by undocumented immigrants in 2024. Trump addressed Jocelyn’s mother directly: “Alexis, I promised that we would always remember your daughter, your magnificent daughter. And earlier tonight, I signed an order keeping my word to you.” Trump renamed a nearby National Wildlife Refuge after Jocelyn, who reportedly loved nature.
He also celebrated the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes or assaulting a police officer.
“Laken was stolen from us by a savage illegal alien,” Trump stated.
Trump further announced the designation of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren De Aragua, along with MS-13 and multiple Mexican cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. “They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and that’s not good for them,” he said.
Trump also made a major announcement regarding the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” Trump revealed.
The suspect, identified as Muhammed Sharifullah, was captured with the assistance of the Pakistani government. Trump said he had personally spoken with the families of the slain service members, who were moved to tears upon hearing the news.
Concluding his address, Trump reinforced his commitment to the nation’s future: “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. 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.”
Freshman Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan delivered the response for the Democratic Party, highlighting that “there is a responsible way to make change, and a reckless way”. Slotkin emphasized the need for bringing down prices, reforming the tax and immigration systems, and cutting government waste in a way that “doesn’t need to be chaotic or make us less safe”. She emphasized that engaged citizens and principled leaders were the key to guiding America through tumultuous times.
Trump’s speech set the stage for the remainder of his term, outlining aggressive policy measures while underscoring the themes and goals of national strength, security, and economic prosperity.
Wesley Liu is a freshman in the College studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from San Francisco, CA. His email is wesl@sas.upenn.edu.
