WATCH LIVE: President Trump to Address Congress on Ukraine, Tariffs, and Government Funding

(TJV)  – President Donald Trump is set to deliver a pivotal address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, where he is expected to outline his policy agenda with a focus on three pressing challenges: the war in Ukraine, tariffs, and a potential government shutdown.

This marks Trump’s first congressional address since his 2020 State of the Union speech, which took place just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the global landscape. His return to the congressional podium is unprecedented, as no president has ever given a post-inaugural address to Congress following a five-year gap.

Security Tightened Ahead of Speech

Security measures have been heightened ahead of the address. Capitol police have announced approximately two dozen road closures in the vicinity of the Capitol, and tour buses will be redirected away from the area, The Epoch Times reported. A 7-foot steel security fence has been erected around the Capitol grounds to deter potential disruptions from protesters, according to the outlet.

According to The Epoch Times’ Emel Akan and Travis Gilmore, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since Trump last addressed Congress. During his 2020 State of the Union speech, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) dramatically tore up a copy of his remarks at the conclusion. However, with Republicans gaining control of both congressional chambers in the 2024 elections, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Vice President JD Vance will now be seated behind Trump, setting a markedly different tone.

Ukraine War and Foreign Policy Focus

Trump’s speech follows a high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28 at the White House, during which a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine collapsed, The Epoch Times reported. The president is expected to outline his vision for ending the war in Ukraine.

“I think it takes two to tango, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Russia, and you’re going to have to make a deal with Ukraine,” Trump said at the White House on March 3, as reported by The Epoch Times. “I think everybody has to get into a room, so to speak, and we have to make a deal, and the deal can be made very fast.”

Following these comments, the Trump administration announced a temporary pause in aid to Ukraine. A White House official stated, “The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” according to The Epoch Times.

Domestic Challenges and Economic Policy

Domestically, Trump faces a looming government funding crisis, with current funding set to expire in just ten days. Since December 2024, the government has been operating under a continuing resolution (CR), and Trump has urged Congress to pass a temporary funding measure to sustain operations through the fiscal year, The Epoch Times noted.

“We are working very hard with the House and Senate to pass a clean, temporary government funding bill (CR) to the end of September. Let’s get it done!” Trump posted on Truth Social on February 27, as reported by The Epoch Times.

With a 53-seat Republican majority in the Senate, Trump will still need at least seven Democratic votes to pass a funding bill, which could prove difficult. Democrats are seeking language in the bill to prevent funds from being withheld—a response to Elon Musk’s cost-cutting efforts within the administration’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), The Epoch Times reported.

Meanwhile, Trump is also expected to unveil a new round of tariffs on Mexico and Canada, following his decision on March 3 to double tariffs on Chinese imports. He has framed tariffs as a key tool in his economic strategy, stating that “the most beautiful word” in trade policy is tariffs. Critics argue that his approach could contribute to inflation and strain household budgets, according to The Epoch Times.

Highlighting Accomplishments

Trump is anticipated to highlight his administration’s early achievements, including the signing of 75 executive orders within his first six weeks in office, The Epoch Times reported. A key focus will be on border security, with the administration reporting a 94% decrease in illegal border crossings since implementing stricter policies, according to Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks, as cited by The Epoch Times.

Additionally, Trump is expected to promote his efforts to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is set to expire at the end of this year. His proposed tax policies include eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security benefits, The Epoch Times noted.

Democratic Opposition and Potential Protests

Trump’s address will not be without opposition. According to Axios, Democratic lawmakers are planning various forms of protest, including possible walkouts and visual demonstrations. Some members have discussed displaying anti-Trump signs, carrying pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, and using props such as empty egg cartons to highlight inflation concerns, Axios reported.

Despite calls from Democratic leadership to avoid disruptive tactics, some lawmakers remain committed to making a public statement against the administration’s policies, Axios noted.

As Trump takes the stage at 9 p.m. EST, the nation will be watching closely to see how he addresses these pressing issues and how both supporters and detractors respond.