Trump gives a speech to Congress, attacks rights and countries with lies and protectionism

United States President Donald Trump held his first speech to Congress on Tuesday night since the beginning of his second term. In a 1-hour and 40-minute speech, marked by lies, applause from the republican base and democratic protests, Trump took stock of his first weeks in office, highlighting the amplification of his anti-immigration policy, cuts in social programs and protectionist measures in the economy.

The joint session in the capitol began tumultuous. Democratic deputy Al Green of Texas was expelled from the plenary after interrupting the president’s speech with shouts of “you have no mandate.”

Other democratic parliamentarians displayed posters with protest messages, including “Save the Medicaid” and “Musk steals.” The opposition criticized Elon Musk’s presence at the Congress Tribune and the role that its Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) has played in the restructuring of the federal government.

In addition to reinforcing attacks on civil rights and progressive policies, Trump has announced new rates on products imported from Brazil, Mexico and Canada, rekindling the trade war that marked his first government. In an expansionary tone, he once again mentioned the possibility of attaching Greenland.

“The United States cannot continue to be deceived by countries that take advantage of our commercial generosity,” Trump said, justifying the new tariffs. In the case of Brazil, surcharge reaches steel and aluminum exports, sectors that had already been impacted by similar measures during its first government.

Attacks on “Woke” diversity and culture

In his statement, Trump prioritized domestic themes and bet on anti-wake rhetoric, characterizing policies of inclusion and social justice as threats to the US. He defended measures that limit inclusion policies in public service and education, highlighting the elimination of diversity programs in universities and government agencies.

“We are rescuing America from radical socialism and the tyranny of cancellation culture,” he said. The discourse also explored sensationalism, with mentions to violent crimes and diseases to support its position against immigration and cuts in social programs.

According to a US press survey, several of Trump’s statements were false or misleading, including the claim that it reduced illegal immigration to “historical levels.”

Data from the government itself show that although the arrests decreased in February, the numbers follow higher than the 1990s average.

Elon Musk and “Cleaning” in the Government

Trump praised Elon Musk, who attended the event, and reinforced Doge’s role in government restructuring. “We are draining the swamp. And the days of government for non -elected bureaucrats are over, ”he said.

Doge has promoted massive cuts in federal agencies, reducing functionalism and interrupting research and development financing. The president did not present evidence to support his statement that the department would have already identified “hundreds of billions of dollars in fraud,” a statement contested by governmental audit experts.

Threat of new rates and impact on Brazil

In the economy part, Trump reaffirmed his protectionist agenda. He announced the expansion of import tariffs, including 25% rates for Mexico and Canada products, and promised to extend the measure to other business partners from April.

“Other countries have used fares against us for decades. Now it’s our turn. The European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico and Canada charge us much higher rates than we charge them. This is unfair, ”he said.

Although Trump quoted Brazil, the rate about Brazilian products has not yet been formalized. However, analysts indicate that sectors such as agricultural and steelmaker can be the most affected if the measure is implemented.

Greenland and Panama Canal: Expansion Discourses

The president also resumed controversies that marked his first management, such as the proposal to acquire Greenland. “I think we’ll get it. One way or another we will be able to, ”he said without details. He emphasized that the island is strategic for US security and waved with promises of investments if the territory agrees to be incorporated into the country.

In another statement, Trump suggested that his government can claim the Panama channel. “The channel was built by Americans and for Americans. We could not have left him to China, ”he said, referring to the growing presence of Chinese investments in Panama. Analysts see the statement as a sign of climbing in diplomatic pressure on Latin America.

War in Ukraine and relationship with Zelensky

Upon approaching the war in Ukraine, Trump criticized European support to Kiev and defended a “quick solution” to the conflict.

“We spent $ 350 billion. It was like taking sweet from a child. They spent 100 billion, ”he said, referring to NATO allies.

President read excerpts from a letter sent by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he expresses a desire to “work under the strong leadership” of the US for a lasting peace. The statement was interpreted as a retreat of Zelensky after the tense recent meetings with Trump.