President Trump is set to deliver a significant address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night in Washington, marking his first major speech since returning to the White House in January. The address will take place in the chamber of the US House of Representatives, beginning at 9 p.m. ET on March 4. This event, presided over by President Pro Tempore Mike Johnson and Vice-President JD Vance, is not a State of the Union address but rather an opportunity for Trump to outline his second-term vision.
The speech will be broadcast live on PBS, with an available live stream on the network's YouTube page. Trump's administration has been notable for its sweeping mass layoffs of federal employees and the mobilization of officers from nearly every federal law enforcement agency and the US military to fulfill his campaign promise of mass deportations. Democrats have responded by inviting several workers who were fired in Trump's mass purge to attend the address, including Alissa Ellman, a disabled army veteran who served in Afghanistan and was recently dismissed from her position at the veterans affairs department in Buffalo.
Top Democrat Chuck Schumer has emphasized the importance of presenting a contrasting vision to Trump's policies. Schumer stated that the Democratic party's rebuttal will offer "a bold vision of hope, unity, and a brighter future for everyone, not just the wealthy few at the top."
Newly-elected Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic rebuttal, using this high-profile platform to challenge Trump's actions. Slotkin, a 48-year-old former CIA analyst who recently won a competitive Senate seat, aims to highlight the administration's impact on federal bureaucracy and workers. She expressed her eagerness to communicate directly with the American public, stating:
“Looking forward to speaking directly to the American people next week” – Elissa Slotkin
Slotkin also underscored her commitment to addressing pressing national issues:
“The public expects leaders to level with them on what’s actually happening in our country. From our economic security to our national security, we’ve got to chart a way forward that actually improves people’s lives in the country we all love, and I’m looking forward to laying that out” – Elissa Slotkin
The joint session is expected to draw significant attention as both parties vie to present their visions for America's future. In light of recent federal workforce downsizing, Democrats aim to use this opportunity to spotlight individuals affected by these policies.