PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL PITCH his sprawling agenda to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, as anxiety grows over a burgeoning global trade war that economists warn could strangle the economy.
Six weeks into his presidency, Trump will turn the spotlight on his achievements: Securing the border; drawing hundreds of billions of dollars in manufacturing investment commitments to the U.S.; smoking out government waste; and his efforts to change the culture by dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs across the nation.
But Trump’s early days in office have also been marked by a radical and occasionally chaotic overhaul of the government, which has provoked unease among some Republicans and threatens to cut short his honeymoon period with the voting public.
• Tariffs are not a priority in any survey taken of voter attitudes. A new Morning Consult poll found only 38 percent support Trump’s moves against Mexico and Canada. Some companies warn that higher prices are on the way. The tariffs pushed the stock market lower, and economists are warning in dire terms about the potential for widespread economic contraction.
• Congress is barreling toward a government shutdown in 10 days with no long-term fix in sight, which presents a threat to Trump’s promised tax and spending cuts.
• Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has unilaterally fired thousands of government workers and slashed federal programs, provoking scores of court challenges.
• Trump’s indifference to historical norms has left global alliances in shambles and led to accusations that he’s siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump’s fifth speech before Congress is expected to touch on these issues and many more. Vice President Vance told Fox News that Trump will “talk a lot about his successes” and is going to “poke a little fun,” as well.
Trump will begin speaking shortly after 9 p.m. EST. His speeches to Congress have generally gone on for about 80 minutes.
Vance and first lady Melania Trump will be in attendance.
Find the full White House guest list here, including the family of Laken Riley, the Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan migrant with a criminal record.
Here’s how to watch tonight’s address.