Trump to deliver first joint address to Congress on Tuesday

• President Donald Trump will deliver a joint address to Congress, outlining his administration’s priorities on economic policy, border security and foreign relations. The speech, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” comes amid a potential government shutdown and shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
• Trump will highlight efforts to boost U.S. manufacturing, impose tariffs on imports and address ongoing foreign conflicts.
• The address will set the stage for key legislative battles, including government funding, immigration reform and trade policy.

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President Donald Trump will deliver a joint address to Congress on Tuesday, March 4. It will be his first since returning to office in January.

The speech, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” will outline his administration’s priorities. He will focus on economic policy, border security and foreign relations.

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The address comes as the government faces a potential shutdown on March 14 and amid ongoing shifts in U.S. foreign policy.

The White House described the speech as both a review of Trump’s early-term actions and a roadmap for future policies.

Officials said he will highlight efforts to expand American manufacturing, push for additional border security funding and address ongoing foreign conflicts.

How is Trump approaching U.S. foreign policy?

The administration has taken steps to redefine U.S. engagement abroad. This includes ongoing diplomatic talks with Russia over Ukraine and policy shifts in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

As part of this strategy, Trump has paused offensive cyber operations against Russia. It’s a decision officials said is meant to facilitate negotiations. The administration has also moved to restore full diplomatic staffing in Moscow, signaling a shift from previous policy.

However, these moves have drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers. Some warned that Russia could exploit the pause for its own cyber operations.

In the Middle East, Trump has reportedly backed a proposal to relocate Palestinians outside of Gaza, a plan widely rejected by Arab leaders and humanitarian groups. Meanwhile, an alternative Egyptian-led proposal suggests creating temporary zones within Gaza to house displaced residents while a Palestinian-led interim government oversees reconstruction efforts.

What economic policies will Trump highlight?

Trump will highlight efforts to boost U.S. manufacturing and stabilize the economy. The administration has pointed to $1.7 trillion in new investments focused on manufacturing, energy production and artificial intelligence development. He will likely focus on tariffs as well.

The administration recently doubled tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20% and imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, with an additional 10% duty on Canadian energy products. Trump has framed these tariffs as a way to reduce trade imbalances, curb illegal fentanyl trafficking and push foreign companies to manufacture in the U.S.

However, these actions have triggered retaliation:

• China imposed up to 15% in new tariffs on U.S. agricultural products.
• Canada placed 25% tariffs on $107 billion worth of American goods.
• Mexico has yet to announce its response.

Economists and lawmakers—including some Republicans—warned these tariffs could worsen inflation and disrupt supply chains, particularly in industries reliant on imports, such as consumer goods and manufacturing.

Despite these concerns, the White House argued that tariffs will motivate companies to shift production to the U.S. The administration cited a $100 billion investment from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company as an early success.

However, industry leaders warned that transitioning supply chains takes time, and businesses reliant on foreign production—like the toy industry, where 80% of U.S. toys are made in China—may struggle to adjust.

How will Trump address immigration?

Immigration remains a central issue for the administration. Trump has already moved to:

• Suspend the asylum process at the U.S.-Mexico border.
• End refugee resettlement programs.
• Propose changes to birthright citizenship.

Some of these measures face legal challenges, but Trump will call on Congress to approve more border security funding, including:

• Expanding deportation measures.
• Continuing construction of the border wall.

Democrats will likely push back on these proposals.

What is at stake with the government funding deadline?

Trump’s address comes as the government faces a shutdown if Congress does not approve a stopgap funding measure by March 14. The president has urged lawmakers to pass legislation to keep the government open, but negotiations remain ongoing.

With Republicans holding a majority in both chambers, Trump will use the speech to push for party unity while placing responsibility on Democratic lawmakers for any delays in budget negotiations.

How have Democrats responded?

Democrats have raised concerns about Trump’s immigration policies, economic measures and foreign relations approach. Following the address:

• Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., will deliver the official Democratic response, expected to focus on economic concerns, rising costs, and foreign policy shifts. Slotkin has criticized Trump’s tariff strategy, calling it an unnecessary burden on American businesses.
• Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., will provide a Spanish-language response, addressing concerns about Trump’s immigration policies.
• Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., will speak on behalf of the Working Families Party, focusing on domestic policy shifts.

Democrats will highlight cost-of-living concerns and challenge Trump’s policies on trade and diplomacy.

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What happens next?

Trump’s address will likely set the stage for key legislative battles in the coming months. As the administration pushes forward with government restructuring, foreign negotiations and immigration enforcement, the speech will provide insight into its strategy moving forward.

The address will broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET, with analysis from major news networks and political commentators.