By CBS News
What to know about Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress
- President Trump addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time since retaking office on Tuesday, March 4, telling lawmakers and the nation that “America is back” while touting the flurry of actions he has taken over the first six weeks of his second term.
- Speaking for an hour and 40 minutes, the president highlighted the executive orders he has issued and laid out his vision for how Congress should begin implementing his sweeping legislative agenda. He also praised the work of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency task force, or DOGE, for the drastic cuts they have enacted across the executive branch.
- The president earned sustained applause from Republicans and jeers from Democrats, one of whom was escorted from the chamber for interrupting the speech. Several Democrats walked out of the House chamber over the course of the address, and others protested silently with handheld signs.
- CBS News fact-checked the president’s address here, reviewing his claims on immigration, tariffs, inflation, the economy and more.
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan delivered the Democratic response; see her remarks here.
- A CBS News/YouGov poll of viewers found a majority approved of Mr. Trump’s speech. (The audience predominantly identified as Republican or Independent.)
