From slamming democrats to heaping praise on Elon Musk, Trump’s speech showcased a deeply divided America

Donald Trump’s address to Congress was anything but a unifying moment. Instead, the president used the platform to settle scores, celebrate his own achievements, and push a hardline agenda. Republicans erupted in cheers, while Democrats sat in stony silence—except for Rep. Al Green, who caused a stir by shouting at Trump and refusing to sit down.

The speech was packed with partisan attacks, including calling Joe Biden the worst president in history and mocking Democrats for refusing to applaud him. Trump also doubled down on culture wars, denouncing affirmative action, diversity programmes, and transgender rights. His rhetoric was more akin to a campaign rally than a statesman’s address.

One surprising shift came in his stance on Ukraine. After publicly hammering Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump read a letter from the Ukrainian president expressing willingness to negotiate with Russia. But whether this signals a genuine shift remains to be seen, especially after Trump abruptly paused U.S. aid to Ukraine earlier this week.

Trump also took aim at rising food prices, blaming Biden rather than the bird flu outbreak for soaring egg costs. Meanwhile, his economic policies continued to rattle markets, with new tariffs on Canada and Mexico triggering retaliatory threats from world leaders. Yet, Trump dismissed concerns, insisting tariffs were key to “making America rich again.”

Another standout moment was Trump’s praise for Elon Musk, who he credited with exposing “hundreds of billions” in government fraud—an exaggerated claim. Musk, now a key adviser in Trump’s government overhaul, was seated in the gallery as Republicans applauded and Democrats held signs reading, “Musk steals.”

In an effort to appeal to both billionaires and working-class voters, Trump unveiled a new $5 million “gold card” visa for wealthy immigrants, while also pledging to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.

This speech marked a stark contrast from Trump’s first address to Congress in 2017. Gone were his past calls for bipartisanship and civil rights progress. Instead, his second-term vision is clear: a relentlessly partisan, hard-right agenda with Musk at his side.