President Donald Trump delivered his first address to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, highlighting major policy shifts and defending what he called 'swift and unrelenting action' during his first weeks back in office [1][4].

Earlier Tuesday, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, while raising Chinese import tariffs to 20%. The administration claimed the North American tariffs were meant to secure cooperation on fentanyl trafficking and immigration issues [1][3].

In a significant foreign policy shift, Trump ordered a freeze on U.S. military assistance to Ukraine on Monday, following what sources described as an 'explosive' Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last Friday [1][5].

The speech came amid growing economic concerns, with the S&P 500 having lost all gains made since Election Day. Consumer sentiment surveys indicate growing public worry about inflation [1].

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans offered strong support, while Democrats protested through various means, including Texas Rep. Al Green's ejection from the chamber after heckling about Medicaid cuts [4].

Notable attendees included presidential adviser Elon Musk, who arrived with Trump and was seated in the House gallery. Four Supreme Court justices attended: Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Barrett, Kagan, and Kavanaugh [3].

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins was designated as the evening's 'designated survivor,' remaining away from the Capitol during the address [3].