Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress tonight, where he is expected to unveil his plans to "restore peace around the world." The speech, scheduled for 9 pm ET at the Capitol, comes amid global tensions over the Ukraine conflict and trade imbalances. Members of Congress and their guests have started arriving, with dozens of Democratic members donning pink as a symbol of protest.
The Trump administration is crafting an executive order aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry while reducing China's influence in the global maritime sector. This order comprises 18 specific measures, including imposing fees on Chinese-built ships and cranes entering the United States. Additionally, it plans to establish a new office within the National Security Council to bolster domestic maritime capabilities.
As part of his broader vision, Trump intends to increase wages for nuclear-shipyard workers. He also calls upon Elon Musk’s "department of government efficiency" to scrutinize governmental procurement processes, striving for increased operational effectiveness.
"Ultimately the costs on this are going to be carried by the producers and the foreign countries as opposed to Americans." – Donald Trump
In a significant move, Trump will outline plans to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and negotiate the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, his ambitions to announce a minerals deal with Ukraine seem thwarted after a failed meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last Friday.
"We see this agreement as a step toward greater security and solid security guarantees, and I truly hope it will work effectively." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Despite this setback, Trump remains optimistic that the presence of U.S. workers in Ukraine could deter future aggression from Russian President Vladimir Putin without necessitating further security commitments. Nonetheless, the Trump administration has suspended all U.S. military aid deliveries to Ukraine, impacting billions in essential shipments including ammunition and vehicles previously agreed upon during Joe Biden's presidency.
Meanwhile, the House Freedom Caucus has issued a stern warning against any Democratic disruptions during Trump's address. They have threatened to censure any Democrat attempting to disrupt proceedings.
"The President’s address to tonight’s joint session of Congress is a constitutional obligation — not a sideshow for Democrats to use noisemakers, make threats, throw things or otherwise disrupt." – House Freedom Caucus
"We expect the Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police to take appropriate action against any Members of Congress or other persons violating House rules." – House Freedom Caucus
The anticipated minerals deal with Ukraine remains elusive after complications in Trump's recent dialogue with Zelenskyy. Despite these hurdles, sources indicate that Trump wishes to announce this agreement during tonight's address as a testament to his commitment to international cooperation and economic partnerships.
"I would say that he’s going to lean into it and he’s going to talk about how increasing tariffs can actually go and close the trade deficits …" – Jason Miller
As the Capitol prepares for Trump's address, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Attendees eagerly await Trump's delivery of his ambitious plans, hoping for substantial steps toward global stability and economic reforms.
"Women are claiming pink as a color of protest, as a color of power, and we are protesting what is happening right now." – Leger Fernández