Trump tells Congress China can no longer ‘take advantage’ of weak US policies

US President Donald Trump addressed a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night local time, reinforcing his aggressive use of executive power while setting the stage for further clashes with federal lawmakers and the courts.

“We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in four years or eight years, and we are just getting started,” he said.

The speech, his first before the legislative branch since returning to the White House in January, highlighted his efforts to reshape the federal government, institute hardline immigration policies and remake US foreign relations.

Over the past six weeks, Trump has initiated a series of sweeping policy changes, repeatedly bypassing Congress on key issues. His administration has dismantled federal agencies, laid off tens of thousands of government employees and frozen funds appropriated by Congress – a strategy praised by his allies and legally challenged by his opponents.

Tuesday’s speech underscored the deep divisions shaping Trump’s second term, with court battles mounting over his executive actions and major legislative fights on the horizon.

On trade, Trump has pursued an aggressive policy, imposing new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. His administration has argued that these measures will strengthen the economy and reduce illegal border crossings, though critics claim they risk economic instability and higher consumer prices.