Donald Trump State of the Union Address Highlights: Trump brings up Zelenskyy’s peace letter while concluding speech, promises to plant US flag on Mars

The administration’s trade policies have sparked economic anxieties. The imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with an additional 10% on Chinese goods, has deepened investor concerns about the economy. The Nasdaq Composite has experienced a decline of over 9% from its record high in December. Furthermore, only one in three Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, highlighting potential risks as tariffs could exacerbate inflation.

President Donald Trump reaffirmed US support for Ukraine while emphasising his efforts to end the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

“I am working tirelessly to end the savage conflict,” Trump said, revealing that he had received an “important letter” from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that Ukraine is ready for peace.

Trump condemned the war’s toll, saying, “Millions of Ukrainians and Russians have been needlessly killed or wounded in this horrific and brutal conflict, with no end in sight.”

Criticizing past US assistance, he added, “The United States has sent hundreds of billions of dollars to support Ukraine’s defense, with no security, with no anything.”

With CNN inputs

President Donald Trump made a surprising statement during his address, extending an offer to the people of Greenland to join the United States of America.

“We strongly support your right to determine your own future. And if you choose, we welcome you into the United States,” Trump said.

He argued that Greenland is strategically important, stating, “The US needs Greenland for national security and international security.”

Ending with a confident remark, he added, “I think we’re gonna get it. One way or the other, we’re gonna get it.”

His comments drew uneasy laughter from Republicans in the chamber, signaling uncertainty over the bold proposal.

President Donald Trump accused Canada and Mexico of allowing fentanyl to flood into the United States at unprecedented levels, claiming it is “killing hundreds and thousands” and “destroying families.”

He argued that both nations receive billions of dollars in subsidies from the US and declared, “We’re not going to do that any longer.”

The White House has framed its steep new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods as a pressure tactic to curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants into the US.

While Mexico has been a known transit route for fentanyl, Canada has rejected claims that it is a major supplier of the drug to the US.

President Donald Trump claimed that car manufacturing plants are “opening up all over the place” in the US, attributing the surge to his election victory and trade policies.

“That’s a combination of the election win—and tariffs. It’s a beautiful word, isn’t it?” Trump remarked.

He insisted that tariffs, along with other White House policies, will fuel a boom in the American auto industry.

The statement comes as his administration enacts sweeping tariffs on Mexico and Canada, prompting both nations to impose retaliatory measures. Economists warn the escalating trade tensions could drive up prices for consumers.

Trump dismissed concerns of a trade war, asserting that “other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn.”

He also reiterated his plan to introduce “reciprocal tariffs”, ensuring that the US will match the tariff rates that other nations impose on American goods.

President Donald Trump criticised countries like India for imposing high tariffs on American goods, announcing that reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2.

“India and others charge the US huge tariffs. On April 2, reciprocal tariffs will kick in,” Trump declared.

President Donald Trump reiterated key campaign promises during his address, vowing to eliminate taxes on tips and end taxation on Social Security benefits for senior citizens.

President Donald Trump has declared a freeze on all foreign aid, signaling a major shift in US policy.

During his address, President Donald Trump took a moment to recognise Elon Musk, who is in attendance.

“Elon, thank you. You’re working very hard, we appreciate it,” Trump said, acknowledging the billionaire entrepreneur from the gallery.

President Donald Trump announced a strict return-to-office mandate for federal employees, stating, “We ordered all federal workers to return to the office. They will either show up for work in person or be removed from their job.”

Notably, he did not mention the thousands of federal employees his administration has reportedly fired in recent weeks.

Trump then took a swipe at the Biden administration, referencing the criminal charges he faced while Biden was in office. “We have ended weaponized government, where, as an example, a sitting president is allowed to viciously prosecute his opponent—like me,” he said.

President Donald Trump defended his aggressive immigration policies, claiming he has already taken significant action to address what he calls a ‘national emergency’ at the US-Mexico border.

“I deployed the US military and Border Patrol to repel the border invasion of our country,” Trump declared, adding that illegal crossings last month were the lowest ever recorded.

Since taking office, Trump has implemented strict measures against illegal immigration, including deporting arrested migrants on military planes and, in some cases, sending them to Guantanamo Bay.

“They heard my words and chose not to come,” he said, referring to his repeated warnings of mass arrests and expulsions.

President Donald Trump is now taking aim at Democrats in the audience after criticising Joe Biden, whom he called “the worst president in American history.”

“There is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy, or to stand, or smile, or applaud,” Trump remarked.

He went on to claim that even if he “found a cure to a very devastating disease,” Democrats would still refuse to support him.

“It’s very sad, and it just shouldn’t be this way,” he added.

In an unprecedented move, Congressman Al Green, a Democrat, was removed from the House floor after he stood up, shook his cane, and shouted at President Donald Trump during his address. A House floor staff member approached Green, seemingly asking him to stop before he was escorted out. The atmosphere in the chamber remains tense.

Following Green’s removal, a Democrat was heard shouting, “Take your hat off!”—a remark directed at Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is wearing a red MAGA baseball cap.

President Donald Trump declared that the American Dream is “surging bigger and better than before,” adding that the world is witnessing this transformation for the first time.

He highlighted a significant shift in public sentiment, stating, “More Americans believe the country is headed in the right direction than in the wrong direction—a 27-point swing, the largest ever recorded in American history.”

President Donald Trump, addressing both Houses of Congress, recalled his proclamation of a “golden age of America” six years ago. “I proclaimed the dawn of the golden age of America right here, and since then, I have been working towards it. We have accomplished in 36 days what most have done in years, and we are just getting started,” he said.

First Lady Melania Trump gets a standing ovation as she arrived at the House Chamber ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.

US President Donald Trump has arrived at the House Chamber, where he is set to address both Houses of Congress at approximately 9 PM on Tuesday (EST).

US Vice President JD Vance has arrived at the House Chamber, where President Donald Trump is set to address both Houses of Congress at approximately 9 PM on Tuesday (EST).

US President Donald Trump has left the White House for Capitol Hill, where he is set to address a joint session of both Houses of Congress. The speech is scheduled for 7:30 AM on Wednesday (IST).

In the lead-up to the address, there has been considerable speculation about a potential minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine. Sources indicate that President Trump had expressed interest in announcing such an agreement during his speech. However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later clarified that no signing was planned, leaving the status of the deal uncertain.

The venue for Trump’s address, the House of Representatives chamber, holds profound historical significance. Just over four years ago, this very space was the scene of chaos as a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election results favoring Democrat Joe Biden. Lawmakers were forced to seek refuge, fearing for their lives during the unprecedented attack.