7 key points to monitor in Trump's joint Congressional address
Anticipate a president who exhibits greater confidence and assertiveness than the Trump of 2017.
TroibNews 
Eight years ago, President Donald Trump surprised the nation during his first joint address to Congress by presenting himself in a manner many considered presidential.
Unlike his more recent speeches, there were no so-called “weaves” — those digressions from prepared remarks he often favors — nor were there attacks on the media or his political opponents. However, the current Trump is not the same as he was in 2017. Fueled by the confidence of his previous victory and still harboring resentment over his time out of office, the president enjoys more freedom this time. The content and tone of his upcoming address to Congress on Tuesday remain uncertain.
“TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE BIG. I WILL TELL IT LIKE IT IS!" Trump declared on Truth Social on Monday.
The forthcoming speech will highlight the “renewal of the American Dream,” covering topics like the economy, border security, and foreign policy, according to Fox News' pre-address reports. An unnamed political adviser said the president intends to put significant focus on immigration and will invite guests related to victims of crimes committed by undocumented migrants.
The planned discourse is also likely to address the reduction of federal bureaucracy, as the proposed Department of Government Efficiency cuts have been a significant focus in Trump’s first month of office. Additionally, the president is expected to reference a recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, with an attendee from the rally likely in the audience.
Should he stray from his prepared remarks, the implications could be unpredictable, placing anyone within his range on notice.
“He's not a sweeping orator. He tends to be a tactical orator off the prompter, and that's what I would anticipate,” remarked Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist and former candidate for Trump’s press secretary position.
As the Tuesday night address begins at 9 p.m. ET, several key points deserve attention:
1. **How will Trump address economic frustrations?** Trump has previously shown reluctance to discuss rising prices on his campaign trail, famously expressing frustration about inflation concerns. This sentiment has continued into his presidency, with his distractions toward issues like Elon Musk’s influence over federal matters, rather than directly tackling inflation. Despite polling indicating that inflation is a top concern, Trump has spent more time on unrelated topics.
GOP strategist Barrett Marson noted the dual importance of addressing both the economy and illegal immigration, warning against ignoring voter discontent surrounding economic issues.
Expect the president to highlight U.S. manufacturing investments made since his administration began. Trump previously showcased corporate investments during his first address and is likely to do so again, pushing for positive narratives amid ongoing inflation concerns.
2. **How much emphasis will Trump place on DOGE?** In the initial phase of his presidency, Trump has been primarily absorbed by DOGE’s efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy. Some allies fear this focus might distract him from pressing issues like his tax cuts, the budget, and inflation concerns that Americans care about.
Watch for how he discusses DOGE, particularly regarding Musk's role—despite Musk's confirmed position as a special adviser, he is not the administrator.
3. **What will Trump say about immigration and deportations?** Immigration remains a key talking point for Trump. He previously promised aggressive deportation efforts. However, early reports suggest that deportation numbers are lower than anticipated, causing dissatisfaction. An upcoming Harvard-Harris poll shows that immigration, alongside inflation, remains a top issue, with strong support for deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.
Anticipate Trump to highlight positive metrics regarding decreased border crossings while advocating for more funding for border security initiatives.
4. **What about the mineral agreement with Ukraine?** Recent disputes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have raised questions about a rare earth mineral deal surrounding a ceasefire. Trump hinted that he would address the potential revival of this deal during his address, along with other pressing foreign policy topics, including the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Additionally, watch how he discusses interactions with both adversary leaders, like China’s Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, and allies such as Canada’s Justin Trudeau and the U.K.’s Keir Starmer.
5. **What will Trump communicate to Congress?** Trump aims to extend his 2017 tax cuts and enhance border funding. He has left specifics largely to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The address may serve as a platform for calling for increased border funding and tax cut reinforcement, showing the need for unity among Republicans.
Jennings suggests an opportunity for Trump to remind Republicans of their shared agenda, urging them toward collaboration.
6. **What topics may Trump avoid?** Unlike his first address, Trump is not likely to mention the repeal and replacement of Obamacare, reflecting a shift in focus from health care to budget cuts. Additionally, issues like abortion, a contentious topic for his campaign, may also be sidelined, as discussions shift away from previous strategies.
7. **How will Democrats react?** Democrats plan to use Trump’s address as an opportunity to showcase the consequences of his policies. They are encouraging lawmakers to bring guests who represent the impacts of his administration’s decisions and have rallied around themes of solidarity against the perceived influences of billionaire donors.
While opposition tactics lack the vigor of prior years, some lawmakers intend to show their presence in Congress during the speech, signaling ongoing resistance.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus is expected to stage a subtle protest by dressing in pink, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has arranged events that amplify the voices of affected Americans post-speech.
Jake Traylor and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Unlike his more recent speeches, there were no so-called “weaves” — those digressions from prepared remarks he often favors — nor were there attacks on the media or his political opponents. However, the current Trump is not the same as he was in 2017. Fueled by the confidence of his previous victory and still harboring resentment over his time out of office, the president enjoys more freedom this time. The content and tone of his upcoming address to Congress on Tuesday remain uncertain.
“TOMORROW NIGHT WILL BE BIG. I WILL TELL IT LIKE IT IS!" Trump declared on Truth Social on Monday.
The forthcoming speech will highlight the “renewal of the American Dream,” covering topics like the economy, border security, and foreign policy, according to Fox News' pre-address reports. An unnamed political adviser said the president intends to put significant focus on immigration and will invite guests related to victims of crimes committed by undocumented migrants.
The planned discourse is also likely to address the reduction of federal bureaucracy, as the proposed Department of Government Efficiency cuts have been a significant focus in Trump’s first month of office. Additionally, the president is expected to reference a recent assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, with an attendee from the rally likely in the audience.
Should he stray from his prepared remarks, the implications could be unpredictable, placing anyone within his range on notice.
“He's not a sweeping orator. He tends to be a tactical orator off the prompter, and that's what I would anticipate,” remarked Scott Jennings, a GOP strategist and former candidate for Trump’s press secretary position.
As the Tuesday night address begins at 9 p.m. ET, several key points deserve attention:
1. **How will Trump address economic frustrations?** Trump has previously shown reluctance to discuss rising prices on his campaign trail, famously expressing frustration about inflation concerns. This sentiment has continued into his presidency, with his distractions toward issues like Elon Musk’s influence over federal matters, rather than directly tackling inflation. Despite polling indicating that inflation is a top concern, Trump has spent more time on unrelated topics.
GOP strategist Barrett Marson noted the dual importance of addressing both the economy and illegal immigration, warning against ignoring voter discontent surrounding economic issues.
Expect the president to highlight U.S. manufacturing investments made since his administration began. Trump previously showcased corporate investments during his first address and is likely to do so again, pushing for positive narratives amid ongoing inflation concerns.
2. **How much emphasis will Trump place on DOGE?** In the initial phase of his presidency, Trump has been primarily absorbed by DOGE’s efforts to reshape the federal bureaucracy. Some allies fear this focus might distract him from pressing issues like his tax cuts, the budget, and inflation concerns that Americans care about.
Watch for how he discusses DOGE, particularly regarding Musk's role—despite Musk's confirmed position as a special adviser, he is not the administrator.
3. **What will Trump say about immigration and deportations?** Immigration remains a key talking point for Trump. He previously promised aggressive deportation efforts. However, early reports suggest that deportation numbers are lower than anticipated, causing dissatisfaction. An upcoming Harvard-Harris poll shows that immigration, alongside inflation, remains a top issue, with strong support for deporting undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.
Anticipate Trump to highlight positive metrics regarding decreased border crossings while advocating for more funding for border security initiatives.
4. **What about the mineral agreement with Ukraine?** Recent disputes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have raised questions about a rare earth mineral deal surrounding a ceasefire. Trump hinted that he would address the potential revival of this deal during his address, along with other pressing foreign policy topics, including the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Additionally, watch how he discusses interactions with both adversary leaders, like China’s Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin, and allies such as Canada’s Justin Trudeau and the U.K.’s Keir Starmer.
5. **What will Trump communicate to Congress?** Trump aims to extend his 2017 tax cuts and enhance border funding. He has left specifics largely to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The address may serve as a platform for calling for increased border funding and tax cut reinforcement, showing the need for unity among Republicans.
Jennings suggests an opportunity for Trump to remind Republicans of their shared agenda, urging them toward collaboration.
6. **What topics may Trump avoid?** Unlike his first address, Trump is not likely to mention the repeal and replacement of Obamacare, reflecting a shift in focus from health care to budget cuts. Additionally, issues like abortion, a contentious topic for his campaign, may also be sidelined, as discussions shift away from previous strategies.
7. **How will Democrats react?** Democrats plan to use Trump’s address as an opportunity to showcase the consequences of his policies. They are encouraging lawmakers to bring guests who represent the impacts of his administration’s decisions and have rallied around themes of solidarity against the perceived influences of billionaire donors.
While opposition tactics lack the vigor of prior years, some lawmakers intend to show their presence in Congress during the speech, signaling ongoing resistance.
The Democratic Women’s Caucus is expected to stage a subtle protest by dressing in pink, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has arranged events that amplify the voices of affected Americans post-speech.
Jake Traylor and Nicholas Wu contributed to this report.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
