In a highly charged atmosphere marked by Republican applause and Democratic dissent, President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress, proclaiming the 'return of America' and the onset of a 'golden era.' This speech, lasting approximately one hour and forty minutes, became the longest address by a sitting U.S. president in modern congressional history.

The duration of the speech, however, was overshadowed by incidents of protest from some Democratic congress members.

Notably, Congressman Al Green interrupted the speech, holding up a cane and shouting in opposition to Trump's contentious policies.

This disruption led House Speaker Mike Johnson to order security personnel to escort Green out of the chamber.

Following this interruption, Trump resumed his address, boasting about his achievements and outlining his agenda.

Within less than two months in office, he highlighted a series of executive orders aimed at combating federal bureaucracy and inefficiency, notably mentioning the Government Efficiency Agency (D.O.G.), headed by his ally Elon Musk, who was present in the gallery.

Trump criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, labeling him as the worst president in U.S. history and pledging to overturn many Democratic policies, particularly those he characterized as affirmative action and inclusivity, insisting that job appointments would be based solely on merit.

Immigration policy featured prominently in Trump's remarks, echoing themes from his campaign.

He reiterated his commitment to controlling the southern border, halting the influx of undocumented migrants, and deporting those present in the U.S.

On economic matters, Trump blamed the Biden administration for what he termed a heavy economic legacy, which he argued has led to rising consumer prices.

He promised extensive tax cuts, contingent on approval from a divided Congress.

In contrast, foreign policy received limited attention in the speech.

Trump reaffirmed his ambitions to 'recover' the Panama Canal and expressed interest in purchasing Greenland.

He reiterated his stance on imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, threatening to extend such measures to other nations.

Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Trump voiced a desire to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, citing the conflict's high costs.

He adopted a softened tone towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, mentioning he received a message from Zelensky expressing willingness to negotiate.

In the Middle East context, Trump referenced the Abraham Accords as one of the significant achievements from his first term and committed to their expansion without providing specific details.

Among his foreign policy announcements, Trump claimed that the individual responsible for the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American soldiers during the U.S. withdrawal, was on his way to the United States after being captured by Pakistan.

Democratic discontent with Trump's speech was palpable, exemplified by Green's protest and the subsequent actions of other party members, who displayed protest signs and remained seated without clapping during the address.

Some Democrats opted to exit the chamber before the conclusion of the speech.

The Democratic response, articulated by Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, focused on the human cost of Trump’s policies, which she argued led to massive layoffs of federal employees.

Slotkin referred to the previous confrontation between Trump and Zelensky, stating, 'After this spectacle we witnessed last week in the Oval Office, Reagan must be turning in his grave,' alluding to the late Republican president's Cold War rhetoric against the Soviet Union.