President Donald Trump will make a highly anticipated return to Congress during a joint session, the first since his departure from the Oval Office in 2020. Although the event won’t officially bear the name “State of the Union,” it certainly functions as one, and it offers Trump a chance to remind Congress and the American public of his previous accomplishments while laying out his ambitious vision for the next four years.
Anticipation is already building as Trump prepares to flaunt his economic successes. With foreign companies like Taiwan Semiconductor committing monumental investments into U.S. soil, the president has a plethora of achievements to showcase. The $100 billion pledge from TSMC to build cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities is just one feather in Trump’s cap. It seems that even mainstream media outlets, usually skeptical of him, can hardly ignore the wins that Trump racked up during his first go-around, as evidenced by headlines highlighting manufacturing victories.
Of course, inflation will likely steal some of the spotlight. Recent figures show inflation inching up to 3%, much to the dissatisfaction of the public who expect more decisive action from the administration. Trump has promised that he will address this pressing issue head-on. The administration’s strategy will involve a so-called “holistic” approach to combat inflation, which includes tariffs, deregulation, and energy policies that aim to stabilize prices. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been active in media appearances singing the praises of this plan, asserting that Tariffs will not only help generate revenue but will also not worsen the inflationary situation. This is a point that is expected to come up in Trump’s speech, demolishing the mainstream narrative that views tariffs as purely inflationary.
As for spending, Trump faces a divided Congress that is gearing up for a budget showdown. The president is pushing for a comprehensive funding bill that encapsulates his tax cuts and border security efforts, while the Senate appears more interested in a piecemeal approach that misses the mark. This week’s address is poised to serve as a touchpoint for rallying lawmakers behind a unified agenda. Trump’s proposals hinge significantly on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act’s extension, alongside other tax relief efforts aimed at everyday Americans.
Five years later, Trump returns to a fractured Congress to make his case | Just The News https://t.co/9NjcVxUwYu
— Jesse Stone (@Columbo5591) March 4, 2025
Democrats will surely stir the pot during the event, with their plans to introduce a mix of sly protests and guilt-ridden guests. Despite past attempts to undermine Trump’s speeches—such as Nancy Pelosi’s infamous paper-tearing stunt—this year is expected to showcase a more subdued Democrat response. As Trump commands the floor, they may find their best tactic is strategic silence, recognizing that the public is not as naive about Trump’s capabilities as they might have presumed. After all, he won the election in 2024 with an agenda that resonated with millions of Americans.
In the weeks leading up to this joint session, it’s clear that the stakes have never been higher. With Trump aiming to unify a fractured Congress while presenting a clear economic roadmap, the ballroom will be filled with tension and fierce interest. It’s a classic showcase of what American politics has come to, as President Trump attempts to drive home the point that not only is he back in the game, but he’s still playing to win.