Trump Shifts into High Gear with His ‘Me First, Always Me’ Policy
ADEM YAVUZ ARSLAN | COMMENTARY
U.S. President Donald Trump made several headline-grabbing statements during his first congressional address of his second term. His speech, frequently interrupted by applause from his supporters, lasted a record-breaking 99 minutes—the longest congressional speech ever. He claimed to have transformed the U.S. in just 44 days. While addressing his campaign promises, he reaffirmed his intent to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, stating, “We will take them one way or another!” Recalling the assassination attempt he survived in Pennsylvania, he declared, “God protected me so that I could make America great.”
Before diving into the key points of Trump’s speech, I’d like to share some general observations.
I was in Washington, D.C., when Trump delivered his first congressional address in 2017. Compared to that speech, what stood out the most this time was the shift in tone. In his first term, Trump frequently emphasized “all Americans.” However, this time, his speech was targeted solely at his Republican supporters. He showed no concern for reaching a broader audience. Instead, his address was filled with statements that conservatives cheered and liberals and Democrats booed.
Trump began by reminding everyone of his election victory and claimed he had been granted “unprecedented authority.” Instead of using an inclusive tone, he spoke in a firm and divisive manner. He repeatedly mocked Democrats. Addressing government employees, he warned, “If you resist our policies, you will be fired!” His references to international relations carried an underlying message: “I am strong, and I will do whatever I want!”
An unusual scene unfolded in American politics. After concluding his speech, which was frequently interrupted by applause, Trump was met with an outpouring of praise from Republican lawmakers. While some lined up to shake his hand or take selfies, Democratic lawmakers protested him. The deeply divided America we have often spoken about became even more apparent.
Key Takeaways from Trump’s Speech
“We’re Just Getting Started”
During his address to Congress, Trump reflected on his first weeks in office. “America is back,” he declared, claiming that his administration had transformed the country in just 44 days. Emphasizing the speed of his administration’s actions, he called his predecessor, Joe Biden, “the worst president in U.S. history.”
“We’re just getting started,” he stated.
Trump defended his controversial tariff policies, asserting, “We will respond to the tariffs imposed on us for years. Other countries have been ripping us off for too long, and we won’t allow it anymore.” He announced his intention to reclaim the Panama Canal, declaring, “The canal was built for America, and we will take it back.” He also reiterated his belief that Greenland should somehow come under U.S. control.
Additionally, Trump claimed he had received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which Zelensky reportedly stated that Ukraine was ready for peace negotiations and to sign a rare-earth minerals agreement.
Trump detailed his administration’s first 44 days, particularly focusing on border security. He reminded everyone that he had declared a national emergency and deployed the military. He claimed that his actions had led to historically low numbers of illegal immigrants. According to Trump, under Biden’s leadership, “the U.S. was overrun by criminals, murderers, and gangs.”
“America First and Only America”
Trump outlined the policies he had implemented to “make America great.”
He announced that all foreign aid had been suspended and justified withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization:
“Those were scams. We were paying for what other countries refused to pay. We also stopped listening to the corrupt WHO. At the same time, we withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council. They are anti-American.”
He continued listing his policy changes:
- Eliminating government restrictions on electric vehicles: “People should be able to buy whatever car they want.”
- Abolishing government censorship: “I removed all government censorship and brought free thought back to America.”
- Declaring English the official language of the U.S.: “I signed an executive order two days ago.”
- Renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “American Gulf”
- Ending inclusivity policies: “From now on, hiring will be based on merit, not race or gender. Our Supreme Court supported us on this.”
- Banning critical race theory from educational programs
- Legally recognizing only two genders: “Men will no longer be allowed to compete in women’s sports.”
“This is just a small part of our revolution of logic,” he claimed.
“I Will Lower Egg Prices”
Trump’s speeches have always been filled with populist rhetoric. He once again promised “more money, less tax” for everyone. While claiming that he would bring billions of dollars in investments back to the U.S., he also addressed rising egg prices, promising to solve the issue.
He openly threatened government employees, vowing to “discipline bureaucracy and eliminate waste.” He warned, “If you don’t follow my policies, you’ll be fired.”
Trump also introduced a controversial “Gold Card” plan, stating:
“We will expel criminals and thieves from our country and replace them with wealthy investors. To achieve this goal, we are considering a detailed Gold Card program, which will soon be available for $5 million. We will grant citizenship to those who create jobs worldwide. They will only pay taxes to us—not to their home countries. That way, they will stay in the U.S.”
“We Will Take Greenland One Way or Another”
Trump reiterated his belief that Biden was “the worst president in U.S. history” and accused his predecessor of implementing open-border policies that allowed criminal organizations to invade the country.
He did not shy away from his long-standing ambition to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal:
“We want the Panama Canal back. My administration will take it back—we have already started. The canal was built for America, and we will reclaim it. Dear Greenlanders, we respect your right to self-determination, but we need you to join the U.S. I believe we will take Greenland one way or another.”
Ukraine, Zelensky, and Peace Talks
Regarding the recent controversy surrounding Ukraine, Trump stated:
“I received an important letter from Ukrainian President Zelensky. In it, he expressed Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate peace as soon as possible. Ukraine is ready to sign a rare-earth minerals agreement to bring permanent peace closer. Russia is also ready for peace. The bloodshed in the region must stop immediately.”
Protests, Banners, and Slogans
While Republican lawmakers enthusiastically supported Trump throughout his lengthy speech, frequently chanting slogans, Democrats took a protest stance.
At the beginning of Trump’s speech, a dramatic moment unfolded. Democratic Representative Green repeatedly interrupted the president despite warnings from House Speaker Mike Johnson, leading security personnel to escort him out of the chamber. Democrats booed Trump, while Republicans chanted “USA! USA!” Some Democratic lawmakers even walked out of the session.
Several female lawmakers wore pink outfits to protest Trump. However, the most striking protest came from Florida Representative Maxwell Frost, who wore a T-shirt reading “No Kings Here.” He argued that no matter how badly Trump wanted it, he would never be king.
Final Thoughts
Looking at Trump’s historic speech as a whole, two key points stand out.
- Trump claims he has received an unprecedented mandate from the American people and insists that “God saved me to make America great again.”
- He is determined to implement his policies with a “Because I said so!” approach, showing no regard for opposition, including the judiciary.
In other words, the turbulence and controversy surrounding the Trump era are far from over.
