In a landmark address to the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on India and China, marking a new phase in global trade tensions. His speech, spanning over one hour and 40 minutes, set a new record as the longest address to a joint session of Congress, surpassing Bill Clinton’s 1995 record of 1 hour, 28 minutes, and 49 seconds.
With the Republican Party firmly behind him, Trump’s fiery rhetoric left no room for doubt—his administration is prepared to take aggressive measures to protect American industries, jobs, and economic sovereignty.
“Woke No Longer” – Trump’s Bold Stand on Trade
“Our country will be woke no longer,” Trump declared, rallying applause from the Republican benches. He emphasized that the tariff move is not just about job protection, but about restoring America’s economic strength.
The reciprocal tariffs against India and China, set to take effect from April 2, are expected to send ripples through global trade markets. Trump acknowledged that the U.S. economy might witness “some disturbance”, but insisted that tariffs were crucial to protecting America’s soul.
Elon Musk Takes the Spotlight
One of the most unexpected moments came when Trump singled out Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who stood up and saluted the Congress. The exchange drew thunderous applause from Republican lawmakers, highlighting Musk’s growing influence in U.S. economic and political circles.
Chaos and Protests Erupt in Congress
While Republicans cheered, protests erupted almost immediately. Democratic Congressman Al Green was forcibly ejected after refusing to stop heckling the President. Waving his walking stick in defiance, he accused Trump of lacking the mandate to dismantle healthcare programs.
Breakthrough in U.S. Foreign Policy?
Trump also made a major foreign policy revelation, reading out a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The letter indicated that Ukraine is ready to resume peace talks with Russia, following an explosive Oval Office meeting that had previously stalled negotiations.
Additionally, the President disclosed that the individual responsible for killing 13 U.S. service members during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal had been captured with Pakistan’s help and was now being extradited to the U.S.
What’s Next for Global Trade?
With April 2 fast approaching, the global markets are bracing for the impact of Trump’s new tariffs. While the administration views this as a necessary step toward economic independence, the trade war with China and India could escalate, affecting key industries and international relations.
Trump ended his speech with a clear message: “We are just getting started.” Whether this move strengthens America’s economic future or sparks further global tensions, one thing is certain—Trump is determined to reshape U.S. trade policies on his own terms. 🚀🔥