Donald Trump’s Congress Address: Tariffs on India, DEI Ban, Federal Downsizing & Musk’s Influence

- devara
- 05 Mar 2025 01:41 AM
- #NRI News #Donald Trump #US Congress speech #India tariffs #federal policies #Elon Musk
US President Donald Trump delivered a triumphant address to Congress, emphasizing his administration’s policy shifts in global trade, domestic regulations, and federal restructuring. Within just six weeks of taking office, Trump boasted of achievements that have significantly altered America’s foreign relations, triggered trade disputes, and reduced the size of the federal workforce. His speech was met with a standing ovation from Republican supporters, while Democrats protested several of his policy declarations.
"America is Back": Trump's Economic and Trade Policies
Opening his address with a critique of the US economy, Trump blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for rising inflation and high consumer prices. He cited the soaring cost of essential goods like eggs as a symbol of economic mismanagement under the previous administration.Asserting his commitment to making America "affordable again," Trump defended his aggressive tariff policies. He vowed to implement reciprocal tariffs on nations imposing high duties on US goods, with a pointed reference to India."The European Union, China, Brazil, and India charge us tremendously higher tariffs than we charge them. India charges us tariffs 100 per cent," Trump stated, reaffirming his stance on trade fairness. His administration plans to introduce retaliatory tariffs to level the playing field in international trade.Despite concerns that such tariffs could drive up prices for American consumers, Trump insisted that the policy was necessary to restore economic balance. "Whatever they tax us, we tax them," he declared.
Trump’s Ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies
In one of the most controversial moments of his speech, Trump announced a sweeping ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across government institutions, private corporations, and the military."Our country will no longer be woke. Whether you are a doctor, accountant, lawyer – you should be hired and promoted based on skill, not race or gender," he said.
He further reinforced his stance by emphasizing a strict interpretation of gender identity, stating:
"From now on, schools will kick the men off the girls' team, or they will lose all federal funding."
This move marks a direct challenge to progressive policies implemented in previous administrations and signals a shift toward a merit-based hiring and education system.
Trump Declares English as the Official Language of the US
Reiterating his stance on national identity, Trump declared, "We have brought back free speech... I signed an order making English the official language of the US." This policy move aligns with his administration’s broader effort to reshape the cultural landscape of America.
Trump and Ukraine: Zelenskyy’s Letter on Russia Talks
Trump cited a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming that Ukraine has expressed interest in negotiating an end to the war with Russia. According to Trump, Zelenskyy has also agreed to sign an agreement on mineral resources, though details remain unclear.This announcement comes just days after a heated discussion in the White House over continued US support for Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
Trump Appoints Youngest-Ever US Secret Service Agent
In one of the most touching moments of the night, Trump appointed DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old battling brain cancer, as a US Secret Service agent. The move, met with bipartisan applause, made Daniel the youngest individual to hold the title.
Elon Musk’s Influence and Federal Downsizing
A notable figure in the audience was billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has played a crucial role in Trump's administration’s efforts to downsize the federal government."Thank you, Elon," Trump said, acknowledging Musk’s influence in cutting bureaucratic red tape and streamlining government operations. However, Democratic lawmakers responded with visible protests, holding signs that read "Musk Steals" in reference to Musk’s growing influence in federal contracts and policy-making.
Melania Trump’s Advocacy Against Online Harassment
First Lady Melania Trump received praise for her advocacy in pushing for a bill criminalizing the online posting of intimate images—both real and altered—at the federal level.Trump humorously hinted at how he might benefit from such a law: "Nobody gets treated worse than I do online."
Trump’s 2024 Political Strategy
While the speech was meant to highlight policy achievements, political analysts view it as a strategic move for the 2024 presidential election. By addressing economic struggles, national identity, and cultural shifts, Trump aims to consolidate support from conservative voters while countering Democratic opposition.With his administration taking a hardline stance on trade, diversity, gender policies, and government size, Trump’s address signaled a bold, nationalist approach to governance.
A Defining Speech for Trump's Presidency
Trump’s first Congress address of his new term was a mix of economic policy declarations, cultural shifts, and personal triumphs. His pledge to implement reciprocal tariffs, eliminate DEI initiatives, enforce gender policies in schools, and streamline government operations marks a transformative moment in US governance.As his administration moves forward with these bold policy decisions, the response from both domestic and international communities will shape the next phase of US politics. Whether these measures will stabilize the economy or further polarize the nation remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Trump’s influence on America’s trajectory remains as dominant as ever.